BX  92:5  .W44  A4  1853 
Weed,  Edward,  1807-1851. 
Faith  and  works,  or.  The 
life  of  Edward  Weed 


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FAITH    AND  M'ORKS 


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42 


A 


OR, 


THE    LIFE 


OP 


// 


EDWARD    WEED, 


MIN'STEK  OF    THE   GOSPEL. 


''  Show  mo  thy  faith  without  thy  works, 
And  I  will  shew  thee  my  faith  by  my  works." 

James  2 ;  18. 


NEW  YORK : 

C.  W,  BENEDICT,  12  SPRUCE  STREET. 
1853. 


INTRODUCTION. 

It  was  a  pious  thought  to  preserve  some  memorials 
of  the  character  of  such  a  man  as  Edward  Weed.  The 
remembrance  of  him  is  very  precious  to  many  'who 
knew  him,  and  these  will  highly  prize  the  record  of  his 
hfe  and  labors,  and  the  transcript  of  his  thoughts  and 
feelings,  which  are  here  collected.  As  a  monument  of 
Almighty  grace,  as  a  faithful  laborer  in  the  vineyard  of 
the  Lord,  as  a  zealous  advocate  of  temperance  and 
justice,  as  a  patient  sufferer  of  affliction  and  a  grateful 
recipient  of  kindness  showed  for  Christ's  sake,  as  a  man 
full  of  good  works  and  of  victorious  fiiith,  the  church  at 
large  cannot  but  be  profited  by  reading  his  biography, 
and  learning  his  worth  by  the  greatness  of  his  loss. 

The  natural  quahties  with  which  he  was  endowed, 
and  the  habits  of  thought  and  action  which  he  acquired 
under  parental  training  in  his  youth,  helped  to  fit  him 
for  the  chosen  vessel  which  he  afterwards  became  in 
the  service  of  Christ.  His  tall  and  graceful  person,  his 
clear  and  musical  voice,  his  frank  and  benevolent  coun- 
tenance, his  speaking  eye,  his  kindness  of  manner, 
truthfulness  and  honesty,  vigor  of  constitution,  indus- 
trious and  fi'Ugal  habits,  and  early  acquired  power  of 
self-denial,  were  precious   advantages   to  him  in  the 


VI  INTKODUCTION. 

coui-se  of  duty  which  ho  entered  upon  at  his  couvei-sion, 
and  in  tlie  coui-se  of  trials  and  toils  through  which  his 
Master  led  him  to  the  close  of  life.  Mothere  who  ex- 
pect their  sons  to  be  true  soldiei-s  of  the  cross,  must 
train  them  for  it  betimes,  or  the  weakness  of  the  earthly 
fi'amework  will  give  way  under  the  labors  of  the  im- 
pelling power  within. 

The  record,  though  too  brief,  of  the  laboi-s  and 
struggles  through  which  he  persevered  to  obtain  an 
education  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  will  be  an  en- 
couragement to  many  a  young  man  hereafter,  when 
the  hearts  of  multitudes. of  our  precious  youth  shall 
once  more  begin  to  kindle  with  irrepressible  longings 
for  the  privilege  of  preaching  to  othere  the  love  of 
Christ  which  they  have  experienced  in  their  own  souls. 
"With  ten  dollai-s  in  money,  and  his  extra  clothing  tied 
up  in  his  pocket-handkerchief,  he  started  on  foot,  with 
a  light  and  thoughtful  heart,"  from  his  father's  house, 
to  commence  his  studies  at  the  Oneida  Institute.  A 
choice  and  remarkable  band  of  youth  were  there  col- 
lected, and  they  were  taught,  too,  both  in  human  learn- 
ing, and  in  the  wisdom  which  cometh  from  above,  as  is 
shown  by  the  influence  of  their  labore  there,  and  by 
the  charactei-s  they  exhibited  in  after  life.  "During 
Mr.  Weed's  four  yeai-s  of  study  at  the  Oneida  Institute, 
by  exercising  close  self-denial,  and  continuing  in  j)ei-se- 
A'ering  effort  to  sustain  himself,  he  succeeded  without 
incurring  debt." 

As  a  member  of  the  fii-st  class  that  entered  at  Lane 
Seminary,  after  its  organization  in  1832,  under  the 
presidency  of  Dr.  Beecher,  he  was  again  associated  with 


INTRODUCTION.  VI L 

a  company  of  very  extraordinary  young  men.  In  their 
labors  in  conducting  Sabhath-schools  and  Bible-classes, 
prayer-meetings  and  charitable  societies,  in  visiting  tlie 
sick  and  relieving  the  wretched,  in  promoting  measures 
for  education,  in  intense  diligence  in  study,  and  in  still 
more  intense  cultivation  of  the  spirit  of  devotion  and 
self-sacrifice,  probably  no  equal  number  of  theological 
students  ever  surpassed  them.  Their  talents,  their 
energy,  their  zeal  in  carrying  out  whatever  they  under- 
took, had  awakened  large  hopes  in  regard  to  their 
future  usefulness.  The  unfortunate  decree  of  the 
trustees,  in  the  absence  of  the  president,  prohibiting  the 
students  from  further  discussion  of  the  subject  of 
slavery,  was  justly  regarded  by  them  as  an  interference 
with  the  freedom  of  thought  which  is  vital  to  the 
Gospel,  and  they  heroically  resolved  that  they  could 
not  submit  to  be  thus  in  bonds.  The  honored  faculty 
of  the  institution,  whose  proper  prerogative  was  inter- 
fered with,  decided  otherwise  ;  but  the  history  of  the 
seminary  to  this  day  is  an  instructive  comment  on  the 
capital  mistake  which  was  committed  in  the  attempt  to 
sacrifice  and  throw  away  such  a  cluster  of  rare  and 
costly  jewels. 

In  his  subsequent  life,  as  a  lecturer,  a  pastor,  an 
evaugehst,  a  reformer,  and  a  sufferer,  we  have  a  fine 
sample  of  the  true  character  and  worth  of  a  class  of 
men  in  this  countiy,  who  are  not  generally  appreciated 
at  theit  real  value.  The  publication  of  this  volume  is 
to  be  commended,  as  aflbrding  the  means  in  some 
degree  of  correcting  this  poj)ular  error.  The  extent  of 
his  lalx)rs,  his  diligence   in  study,  his  fidelity  in  main- 


VI 11  INTRODUCTION. 

tainiiiij  Christian  ovd'^r  and  discipline,  the  success  of  his 
effbrLs  for  the  conversion  of  sinners,  and  the  sohd  growtli 
of  the  churches  which  he  gathered  under  pecuHar  difli- 
cullie^  entitle  him  to  an  honorable  rank  among  tlio 
clergy  of  the  country.  Not  Paul  himself  could  show  a 
fuller  proof  of  the  cleanness  of  his  hands  and  the  disin- 
tei-ested  benevolence  of  his  heart,  than  was  otlered  by 
this  man,  who,  after  laboring  fourteen  years  in  the 
ministry,  among  poor  congregations,  and  on  a  scanty 
salary,  and  giving  away  at  least  eleven  hundred  dollars 
for  benevolent  objects  (in  addition  to  the  constant 
drain  of  small  sums  for  charity),  closed  his  service  by 
selling  off  his  household  goods  to  pay  his  current  bills, 
and  left  his  work  as  poor  as  when  he  began  it.  Add 
to  this  that  his  health  was  now  prostrated,  and  his 
hel})lessness  burdened  with  the  responsibility  of  a  wife 
and  children  dependent  on  him  for  support,  and  then 
read  his  testimony  : — "  I  have  the  consciousness  of 
having  done  my  duty,  and  of  having  acted  unselfisldy. 
and  though  afflicted,  I  am  not  depressed  in  spirits  ;  I 
was  never  more  cheerful  and  happy."  *  *  *  "I 
think  I  have  done  as  God  would  have  rne  do,  and  now 
1  believe  he  will  make  me  an  example  of  what  he 
would  do  for  his  peojjle  and  his  ministeis  if  they 
would  put  their  trust  in  him." 

Such  a  life  was  ap]iropriately  finished  out,  and  such 
a  character  was  worthily  crowned  by  the  trial  of  faith, 
the  workings  of  experience,  the  patience  of  hope,  and 
the  victory  over  fear  and  death,  which  are  shown  in 
the  records  of  those  weary  months  of  sickness  and  sor- 
row which  closed   his   p;lgriiiiagt\      In   all   the  lives  of 


TNTROTIUCTION.  IX 

tlie  paints  on  o:\vih,  T  do  not  know  of  n  more  strikinj:^ 
case  of  a  good  man  in  straits,  living  so  absolutely  by- 
faith,  and  that  faith  so  constantly  justified  and  lionored 
by  extraordinary  displays  of  providential  care,  in  sup- 
plyinu^  all  his  needs,  making  his  bed  in  sickness,  rais- 
ing him  up  friends  among  strangers,  and  opening  the 
hearts  of  those  who  never  saw  him  to  contribute  for  liis 
comfort.  Those  pious  people  at  Chester,  in  England, 
what  blessings  they  had  in  their  souls,  for  the  un- 
wearied kiuduess  wliich  they  showed  to  this  servant  of 
Christ. 

The  privilege  of  ministering  to  him  during  the  first 
day  of  his  return  to  his  own  home,  and  of  watching 
the  l.-ust  night  of  his  abode  on  earth,  is  worth  being 
remembered  by  one  wlio  is  unworthy.  May  the  bless- 
ing of  the  Lord  accompany  this  feeble  testimonial  to 
one  of  his  honored  ministers.  J.  L. 


CONTENTS. 

«  

CHAPTER  I. 

Pago 
Early  Life — Conversion 1 

CHAPTER  11. 
Scraps  from  Diary 6 

CHAPTER  HI. 
Call  to  Preach — Student  Life 14 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Theological  Studies—  (Diary  continued) 22 

CHAPTER  V. 

Leaves  Lane — Licenced  to  Preach — Anti-Slavery  Labors 
—  Marriage 32 

CHAPTER    VI. 
Letters  continued — Closes  his  A.  S  Labors 47 

CHAPTER  VII. 
Call  to  Mount  Vernon— Pastoral  Labors 66 


Xll  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  VIIL 

rage 
Call  to  Paterson — Takes  a  Tour  East — Letters 77 


CHAPTER  IX. 
Leaves  Mount  Vernon  and  goes  to  Paterson — Letters. ...     88 

CHAPTER  X. 

Unites  the  Labors  of  an  Evangelist  with  that  of  a  Pastor    102 

CHAPTER  XL 

Begging  Tour— Death  of  Mrs.  Weed— Call  to  Brooklyn  .    119 

CHAPTER  Xn. 

Removes   to  Brooklyn — Second   Marriage — Finishes  his 
Labors  in  Brooklyn 132 

CHAPTER   Xni 

Returns  to  Paterson  —Letters — Temperance 143 

CHAPTER   XIV. 
Extracts  from  Letters  and  Diary 159 

CRAFTER  XV. 

Extract  fronn  Letters  up  to  the  time  of  his  protracted  Ill- 
ness     179 

CHAPTER    XVI. 

Sickness — Resigns  his  Charge — Leaves  Paterson — Letters 
during  his  Illness — Hopes  and  Fears 195 


CONTENTS.  Xiii 

CEAPTER  XVIL 

Leaves  Mexicoville— Goes  to  New  York— Health  Im-^"^* 
proves— Sails  for  Liverpool 218 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
Letters  from  England— Journal 233 

CEAPTER  XIX. 

Return  to  America— Last  Illness— Death-Extracts  from 
Letters  of  Friends 2«i 

Remarks  on  the  Life  of  the  Rev.  Edward  Weed, 
by  the  Rev.  Samuel  D.  Cochran,  Paterson,  N.  J.,  June 
^3.1851 '.,,^,285 

The  Substance  op  an  Address  delivered  at  the 
Funeral  of  Rev.  E.  Weed,  by  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Horn- 
blower,  Pastor  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Paterson,  January  23,  1851 294 


CEAPTER  I. 

EAKLT   LIFE. — CONVERSION. 

Edwakd  "Weed,  the  subject  of  this  memoir, 
was  the  son  of  Philo  and  Abigail  "Weed,  and 
was  born  in  North  Stamford,  Conn.,  July 
lYth,  A.  D.  1807. 

He  was  the  third  of  a  family  of  ten  chil- 
dren, seven  sons  and  three  daughters.  All 
but  three  of  the  ten  survived  him ;  one  died 
in  infancy,  the  others  all  became  heads  of 
families. 

His  ancestry  were  of  Puritan  origin,  and 
justly  classed  with  those  who  receive  the  encour- 
agement of  Jehovah,  written  with  the  law  of 
Sinai,  "  showing  mercy  unto  thousands  of 
those  who  love  me  and  keep  my  command- 
ments." From  his  earliest  life  his  mother 
cherished  an  earnest  desire,  accompanied  with 
a  comforting  assurance,  that  he  would  one  day 
stand  acceptably  upon  the  walls  of  Zion  to 
proclaim  the  gospel.  And  there  is  reason  to 
believe  that  this  desire   and  assurance  were 


2  EDWARD   AVEED. 

accompanied  on  the  part  of  his  parents  by  a 
cordial  and  hearty  consecration  of  their  child 
to  God,  and  the  training  of  him  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  # 

Both  parents  lived  to  hear  him  preach. 
The  writer  has  often  witnessed  the  fixed  atten- 
tion and  glistening  eyes  of  his  father,  as  he 
received  from  his  son's  lips  the  words  of  life, 
and  seeined,  in  no  common  degree,  thus  to  feed 
upon  heavenly  manna. 

He  enjoyed  New  England  advantages  for 
education  until  nine  or  ten  years  of  age. 

In  A.  D.  1S17  his  father  removed  with  his 
family  to  Denmark,  Lewis  County,  N.  Y., 
then  a  new  country,  with  comparatively  few 
religious  or  educational  privileges.  When  he 
arrived  at  a  suitable  age  he  commenced 
learning  a  trade.  This,  though  not  congenial 
to  his  literary  taste,  was  apparently  the  only 
course  for  him  to  take. 

"When  he  was  in  his  eighteenth  year  a 
precious  revival  occurred  in  the  town  where 
his  parents  resided.  His  brother  Henry,  a 
few  years  older  than  himself,  was  hopefully 
converted,  and  in  the  zeal  of  his  first  love,  as 
he  went  from  house  to  house,  and  sliop  to 
shop,  to  exhort  his  young  companions,  he  was 
also  deeply  earnest,  in  behalf  of  his  younger 
brother,    and    rested    not,   in    pleading    and 


FAITH   AND   AVORKS.  6 

prayer,  until  he  was  with  him  rejoicing  in 
hope  of  the  glory  of  God.  Edward  soon  after 
made  a  public  profession  of  his  faith  in  Christ, 
and%bout  the  same  time  began  anxiously  to 
inquire  respecting  his  duty  to  prepare  to 
preach  the  gospel.  Many  obstacles  stood  in 
the  way.  How  could  he,  a  youth  without 
means,  his  education  up  to  this  date  limited, 
with  any  hope  of  success,  attempt  to  gain  a 
thorough  preparation  to  preach  ?  To  meet  the 
expense  of  the  usual  college  and  theological 
studies  seemed  impossible. 

Simple,  child-like  faith,  from  his  first  con- 
secration to  God,  was  the  moving  spring  of  all 
his  future  course.  lie  believed,  if  God  called 
him  to  preach,  he  would  make  the  way  plain, 
and  provide  the  means.  lie  left  his  trade,  and 
began  to  use  such  facilities  for  the  improve- 
ment of  his  mind,  as  he  could  obtain.  By  per- 
severance in  private  study  a  year  or  two,  he 
prepared  himself  to  teach  school.  As  he  press- 
ed forward  from  one  way  mark  to  another,  sta- 
tioned by  the  providence  of  God  in  his  path, 
he  appeared  to  many  only  as  an  ambiti<ius 
youtthful  enthusiast  pursuing  a  phantom. 
Such  persons  were  not  acquainted  with  the  zeal 
that  glowed  in  that  young  heart  to  do  good. 

They  understood  not  the  sanctified  power  of 
that  young  spirit,  who,  when  the  path  of  duty 


4  EDWAED   WEED. 

was  once  made  known,  never,  for  a  moment, 
Buflered  the  word  "  fail"  toiiitiuence  him,  as  he 
pressed  forward  to  its  fulfilment. 

They  appreciated  not  the  source  of  tliJll  con- 
fidence in  God  which  filled  his  heart,  and  led 
him  to  exclaim,  in  the  language  of  the  poet: 

"  Unwavering  faith  the  promise  sees, 
And  looks  to  God  alone, 
Laughs  at  impossibilities, 
And  cries  it  shall  be  done !" 

He  used  often,  in  after  life,  to  say  to  the 
young,  who  were  tempted  to  give  up  efiurt  in 
a  good  cause,  because  there  were  many  ob- 
stacles in  the  way — "'  If  you  have  light  enough 
to  make  clear  to  you  one  step  in  the  path  of 
duty,  take  that,  and  trust  for  the  next.  Don't 
refuse  to  go  forward  because  you  cannot  see  a 
long  way  and  a  clear  way  before  you."  This 
was  an  early  lesson  with  him,  and  one  that  in- 
fluenced all  his  Christian  life. 

In  the  Autumn  of  1826,  when  he  was  nine- 
teen years  of  age,  he  became  for  a  few  months 
a  voluntary  coljiorteur,  intending  to  locate 
himself  in  some  school  for  the  winter,  as 
a  teacher,  if  a  favorable  opportunity  should 
present. 

Of  his  state  of  mind,  purposes,  and  success, 


FAira    AND   WOEKS. 


at  this  period,  we  are  informed  l)y  a  joiinial  or 
diary,  which  he  commenced,  and  which  was 
continued  at  intervals  during  his  subsequent 
life. 


CHAPTEll  n. 

SCRAPS   FROM   DIARY. 

The  book  in  whicli  Mr.  Weed's  journal  is 
found  was  prefaced  with  tjie  following  prayer 
of  consecration : 

"  Grant,  O,  gracious  God,  that  this  book 
may  be  kept  in  thy  fear.  Deliver  me  from 
all  hypocrisy  in  writing.  Help  me  to  ex- 
amine my  heart  always  before  I  write.  May 
I  may  be  enabled  to  record  all  thy  dealings 
with  me,  with  an  eye  single  to  thy  glory;  and 
may  it  prove  a  means  of  spurring  me  on  to 
duty.  •  I  ask  it  for  Christ's  sake." 

"  Oct.  2Sth,  1826.— Left  Utica,  and  the  same 
evening  stopped  at  Floyd  to  spend  the  night. 
I  had  poor  success  in  selling  books  to-day ; 
but  felt  entirely  to  put  my  trust  in  God, 
both  as  to  temporal  and  spiritual  things.  O, 
that  I  may  be  an  instrument  in  the  hands  of 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  7 

God,  of  promoting  tlie  cause  of  true  religion 
in  every  place  where  I  may  go.  May  I  deep- 
ly appreciate  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's 
cause. 

"  Nov.  ^d. — Stayed  over  night  in  Trenton. 
Went  in  the  evening  to  a  prayer  meeting  at 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Whitmore's.  The  room  was 
crowded  to  overflowing,  and  a  general  solem- 
nity prevailed.  I  had  good  success  in  dis- 
posing of  books  and  papers  in  Trenton. 

'■^  Nov.  3d. — Came  to  Russia  and  called  upon 
the  Rev.  Mr.  "Wilcox.  Mrs.  W.'s  health  is  very 
poor,  and  his  congregation  is  so  scattered  as 
to  make  his  field  of  labor  a  laborious  one. 
The  people  are  much  pleased  with  him,  and  1 
trust  he  may  be  a  great  blessing  to  them. 
Went  up  to  the  school-house,  where  was  con- 
vened a  church-meeting.  I  was  introduced 
to  Deacon  F.,  who  invited  me  home  with  him 
to  spend  the  Sabbath.  I  found  his  family 
agreeable  and  pleasant,  and  I  could  but  re- 
joice in  the  goodness  of  God  to  me,  -an  un- 
worthy creature. 

"  oth. — SaJjhath. — The  sun  arose  in  clearness 
and  splendor,  and  seemed  in  his  rejoicing  to 
say,  '  This  day  is  hallowed  of  the  Lord.'  I 
went  to  hear  Mr.  Wilcox  preach.  His  text  in 
the  A.  M.  was,  '  Revive  thy  work,  O  Lord,  in 
the  midst  of  these  years.'     In  the  P.  M.  he 


8  EDWARD   WEED. 

preached  from,  '  As  I  was  busy  here  and 
there,  he  was  goue.'  It  was  an  excellent  dis- 
course, and  a  great  solemnity  prevailed  in  the 
congregation ;  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  was 
evidently  there. 

"  Qth. — This  morning  I  walked  several  miles 
before  breakfast.  I  was  introduced  to  a  young 
man  who  has  recently  become  a  Christian. 
He  seemed  to  truly  rejoice  in  God.  Called 
on  another  man  who  invited  me  into  his  house, 
at  the  same  time  saying  his  business  was  such 
that  he  could  not  spend  any  time  with  me. 
lie  was  not  a  Christian,  but  I  found  his  wife 
and  daughter  were  both  Christians,  and  had  an 
agreeable  and  interesting  interview  with 
them. 

"  I  went  in  the  evening,  with  Deacon  M.,  to 
a  house  not  fur  distant,  to  hold  a  ])rayt?l*  meet- 
ing. There  was  none  attended  the  meeting 
but  the  Deacon  and  myself.  AVe  had  a  very 
interesting  season  with  the  family  of  the  house. 
Something  was  said  about  my  taking  the 
school  in  that  neighborhood  to  teach  through 
the  winter,  and  I  proposed  teaching  for  eleven 
and  a  half  dollars  a  month,  commencing  with 
the  first  of  December. 

"  1th. — Came  directly  to  Boonville.  Nothing 
of  importance  occurred  during  the  day.     Put 


FAITH    AJ^   WOKKS.  y 

up  at  iiiglit  witli  a  Mr.  S.  Tliis  evening  wrote 
a  letter  to  a  friend. 

"  Sth. — ^To-day  passed  tlirongli  Leyden  and 
Turin.  I  did  not  stay  long  in  either  of  the 
places.  I  put  up  for  the  night  with  Elder 
Ashley's  family  in  Martinsburg.  Spent  the 
evening  very  agreeably  in  this  pious  family. 
The  Lord  has  dealt  out  his  blessings  to  me, 
while  on  this  journey,  with  a  bountiful  hand. 
Truly  I  have  great  reason,  (in  the  language  of 
the  Psalmist,)  to  call  upon  all  that  is  within 
me,  and  around  me,  to  bless,  praise  and  mag- 
nify the  name  of  tlie  Lord,  for  his  goodness 
and  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men  ; 
and  his  great  mercy  towards  me,  who  am  the 
least  worthy  of  such  blessing. 

"  9th. — Passed  through  M.  and  L. ;  did  not 
stop  long  enough  in  eitlier  j^lace  to  do  any 
business,  feeling  an  anxiety  to  get  home.  I 
arrived  at  my  father's  house  about  8  o'clock 
this  evening  ;  found  the  family  all  well.  It  is 
truly  delightful,  after  a  long  absence,  to  meet 
the  loved  circle,  with  whom  we  have  spent  the 
years  of  childhood  ;  to  greet  those  dear  parents 
who  watched  over  our  helpless  infancy,  and 
who  are  ever  alive  to  our  interests  and  wel- 
fare. 

"  13th. — After  spending  three  days  with  m j 
friends,  I  came  to-day  to  Champion.     Went 


10  KinVAKD   \VKEL». 

this  evening  to  a  prayer  meeting.  The  Lord 
is  pouring  out  his  blessed  spirit  upon  this 
people  ;  turning  the  hearts  of  sinners  to  him- 
self; and  causing  them  to  rejoice  with  joy  un- 
speakable and  full  of  irlory. 

"  11th. — Have  had  pretty  good  success  for 
several  days  past,  I  feel  as  though  the  God 
of  Jacob  has  been  with  me,  since  I  have  been 
on  this  journey,  and  I  am  yet  a  monument  of 
his  sparing  mercy.  Oh,  that  my  heart  was 
more  devoted  to  his  cause,  and  less  attached 
to  the  things  of  the  world. 

"  l%th. — Went  to  Watertown  ;  called  on  Dea- 
con E. ;  found  his  family  very  agreeable. 

One  of  his  children  has  recently  experienced 
religion,  and  is  rejoicing  in  hope  of  the  glory 
of  God.  I  went  to  hear  Rev.  Mr.  Boardman 
preach,  and  was  much  edified  by  his  discourse. 

"  Dec.  4,  1826. — Commenced  my  school  to- 
day, in  the  town  of  Boonville,  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Deacon  Mitchell.  I  feel  that  I  am 
placed  in  an  important  situation,  and  that  I 
stand  in  need  of  divine  aid  and  counsel.  Oh, 
that  God  would  endow  me  with  wisdom  that  I 
may  gain  the  affection  and  fear  of  my  scholars, 
so  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  instruct  them  in 
the  difi'erent  branches  of  science;  and,  above 
all,  direct  their  young  and  tender  minds  to  the 
*  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the 


FAITH    AND    WOJJKS.  11 

world.'     Oh  God,  wilt  tlioii  be  with  me  and 
help  me  ?" 

Here  we  find  this  young  disciple,  not  yet 
twenty  years  of  ap;e,  weighed  down  in  view  of 
the  worth  of  the  soul,  and  his  responsibilities 
as  a  teacher ;  but  as  he  was  ever  wont  to  do, 
looking  up  in  sweet  confidence  to  the  Hills 
whence  his  help  ever  came. 

"  ^th. — This  day  is  set  apart  by  the  Governor 
of  the  State  as  a  day  of  public  thanksgiving  to 
Almiglity  God  for  the  signal  blessings,  both 
temporal  and  spiritual,  that  he  has  granted 
unto  the  people  of  this  State.  Oh!  that  I 
may  enter  into  the  true  spirit  and  temper  of 
thanksgiving.  JSTo  one  has  been  more  sig- 
nally blest  than  myself.  He  has  brought  me 
in  a  way  that  I  knew  not,  and  has  kept  rae 
from  many  temptations  incident  to  persons  of 
my  age.  Not  unto  me,  but  unto  His  name,  be 
glory  and  praise. 

"  11^/i. — Sabbath. — I  am  now  four  miles  from 
church,  but  am  enabled  to  go  on  foot  every 
Sabbath  with  ease.  Where  the  heart  is  en- 
gaged difiiculties  are  easily  surmounted.  I 
have  felt  deeply  during  the  day  for  the  salva- 
tion of  my  scholars.  In  the  evening  I  at- 
tended a  meeting  that  was  appointed  in  the 


12  *  EDWAKD   WEED. 

school-bouse  where  I  teach.  I  felt  humbled, 
and  as  though  I  could  get  down  in  the  dust  at 
my  Saviour's  feet,  and  commit  myself  with  all 
my  cares  to  him,  believing  his  grace  is  suffi- 
cient for  me. 

'■^  March  Zlst^  1S27. — Closed  my  school  in 
Boonville.  It  was  an  affecting  season  to  me — 
parting  with  those  young  immortals  with 
whom  I  have  spent  four  months  as  their 
teacher.  God  grant  that  none  of  them  may, 
through  my  neglect  or  wrong  example,  go 
down  to  destruction.  Before  closing  I  read  to 
them  the  eighth  chapter  of  Proverbs,  and. 
made  some  remarks,  endeavoring  to  impress 
upon  their  minds  the  importance  of  attending 
to  the  calls  of  wisdom  now^  in  the  days  of 
their  youth.  Most  of  them  were  affected  to 
tears.  I  then  presented  each  of  them  with 
a  book,  and  asked  the  blessing  of  God 
upon  them.  We  then  separated,  probably 
never  to  meet  all  together  again,  until  we 
meet  at  the  judgment  of  the  great  day.  Did 
all  teachers  of  youth  but  reflect  upon  that  day, 
how  differently  would  they  teach  and  conduct 
before  their  pupils!  I  have  been  sensible  of 
many  errors  in  conduct.  I  have  often  been 
light  and  trifling,  which  has,  in  the  retrospect, 
caused  me  many  dark,  distressing  honrs. 
Oh  !    that   God  would  forgive  me  this  great 


FAl'JIL    AMD    WOIJKS.  13 

wickedness,  and  liclp  me  to  overcome  the  evil 
tendencies  of  a  depraved  heart !  Oh,  Sa- 
viour !  subdue  it  to  thyself.  When  I  reflect 
upon  the  unnumbered  mercies  and  blessiniis 
God  has  bestowed  upon  me,  and  upon  the 
poor  returns  I  have  made,  I  am  astonished  at 
his  long-sutfering  and  loving-kindness.  I  can 
only  exclaim.  Father !  I  have  sinned  against 
heaven  and  in  thy  sight.  I  pray  thee  remove 
this  heart  of  flint,  and  give  me  a  heart  of 
flesh,  one  that  will  be  susceptible  of  gratitude 
to  thee.  And  oh  !  may  I  be  an  instrument  in 
thy  hands  of  building  up  the  walls  of  Zion." 


CHAPTER  III. 

CALL   TO   PREACH — STUDENT   LIFE. 

^^  April  %Wi^  1827. — My  mind  has  for  some 
time  been  much  perplexed  to  know  what  my 
duty  is,  respecting  my  calling  in  life.  That  is, 
in  what  business  or  occupation  can  I  be  most 
useful,  in  promoting  the  cause  of  Christ,  and 
the  welfare  of  my  fellow-men  ?  To  live  for  self, 
is  to  live  for  nought.  I  do  desire,  God  assist- 
ing me,  to  devote  ray  time,  talents,  and  strength, 
in  the  service  of  my  Redeemer. 

"  The  following  queries,  have  presented  them- 
selves to  my  mind,  relative  to  a  call  to  the  min- 
istry of  the  gospel  : — 1st,  Am  I  willing  to  sac- 
rifice all  worldly  pleasure,  riches  and  honor, 
and  bear  the  reproaches  of  the  wicked — in 
faithfulness  reproving  the  sinner,  whether  rid 
or  poor,  high  or  low?  2d,  Am  I  willing  tc 
have  my  name  cnst  out  as  evil,  for  the  sake  of 
Ciirist ;  and  to  labor  in  any  part  of  the  world, 
that  the  glory  of  God  shall  require,  and  spend 


l-'AITU    AND    WOliKS.  15 

my  whole  life  in  this  service  ?  3d,  Is  my  love 
for  Clirist  sucli,  that  I  would  willingly  lay  down 
my  life  for  his  cause?  Oh!  my  soul,  decide 
upon  these  points,  as  in  the  fear  of  God  ;  weigh 
the  matter  well ;  count  the  cost,  before  you  de- 
cide upon  a  work  of  such  vast  importance.  Oh, 
God  of  mercy,  wilt  thou  assist  me»in  this  great 
and  arduous  work?  oh,  help  me,  dear  Saviour, 
to  keep  my  heart,  and  bring  my  whole  body 
into  subjection  to  thy  law  ;  cause  me  to  know 
where  thou  feed  est  thy  flock  at  noon,  and  may 
I  pitch  my  tent  by  the  Shepherd's  tent.  Fur- 
nish me  to  the  work  thou  hast  called  me  to ; 
enable  me  to  discharge  every  duty,  and  employ 
every  moment  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  thy 
great  name." 

In  the  spring  of  1827,  an  institution  of  learn- 
ing was  established  at  Whitestown,  Oneida 
County,  N.  Y.,  called  "  The  Oneida  Institute." 
It  was  one  of  the  first,  if  not  the  first,  on  the 
manual  labor  plan,  and  was  intended  to  supply 
the  means,  to  indigent  young  men,  of  obtaining 
a  thorough  collegiate  education,  by  their  own  ef- 
fort. It  was  at  first  rather  unpopular — tliis  at- 
tempt to  unite  labor  with  learning.  But  there 
were  young  men  whose  hearts  were  burning  with 
zeal  to  preach  the  gospel,  who  were  poor,  and 
without  friends  able  to  assist  them,  who  came 
forward  and  soon  filled  the  new  rooms  of  this 


16  EDWARD   AVEED. 

novel  Institution.  Many  of  them  became 
scribes,  well  instructed,  and  have  labored  faith- 
fully and  successfully  as  ministers,  in  the  fields 
to  which  they  iiave  been  called. 

Edward  Weed  believed  this  to  be  another 
voice  of  Providence,  saying  to  him,  "Go  for- 
ward." llenvrites,  May  0th,  "  I  contemplate 
going  to  the  Oneida  Institute,  where  I  can  have 
an  opportunity  of  working  for  my  board.  I 
have  great  need  to  feel  my  dependence  more 
upon  God  ;  for  should  I  gain  all  knowledge, 
and  possess  all  the  powers  of  eloquence,  so  tiiat 
I  could  display  that  knowledge  to  the  best  ad- 
vantage, it  will  be  of  no  avail,  unless  sanctified 
by  the  Uuly  Spirit.  May  I  go  there  in  the  fear 
and  love  of  God,  ever  remembering  that  Jle 
w^orketh  in  me  both  to  will  and  to  do." 

With  ten  dollars  in  money,  and  his  extra 
wearing  apparel  tied  up  in  his  pocket  handker- 
chief, he  started  on  foot,  with  a  light  and  thank- 
ful heart,  for  this  institution,  lie  entered  it  on 
the  first  day  of  its  opening,  and  sustained  him- 
self there  for  four  years,  by  two  or  three  hours' 
labor  each  day,  and  teaching  school  during 
their  three  months'  vacation.  lie  saw  times 
when  he  knew  not  where  to  obtain  the  next 
penny,  being  too  honest  to  borrow,  without 
knowing  when  or  how  he  could  pay.  At  one 
time,  he  sat  two  or  three  evenings  in  his  room 


FAITU   AND  WOKTCS.  17 

in  darkness,  without  the  means  of  pnrchasinri;  a 
light,  sorrowing:  most  of  all  that  his  studies  must 
thus  be  retarded.  On  his  face,  M'ith  tears,  lie 
presented  his  case  to  Him,  Avho  hears  the  young 
ravens  when  they  cry.  In  the  morning  relief 
came,  and  he  was  often  heard  to  say,  this  kind 
and  marked  interposition  of  Providence,  so 
strengthened  his  faith,  that  in  all  his  subse- 
quent course  he  always  had  the  greatest  confi- 
dence, in  every  strait,  that  relief  would,  just  at 
the  right  time,  come.  It  often  came  unsuught, 
and  from  unknown  sources;  he  always  feeling 
and  acting  as  though  directly  from  the  hand  of 
his  Heavenly  Father. 

During  this  part  of  his  life,  on  the  Sabbath^ 
he  went  out  into  destitute  neighborhoods  and 
established  Sabbath-schouls,  or  labored  in  sus- 
taining those  alread}'  in  operation.  From  the 
seed  thus  sown  cliurches  grew,  and  he  was  af- 
terward permitted  to  stand  and  preach,  in  the 
places  where  he  once  stood  'as  Sabbath-school 
superintendent  or  teacher. 

The  prayer  meeting  was  also  a  place  whither 
he  ever  loved  to  resort,  to  mingle  his  petitions 
with  those  who  loved  the  pi'osperity  of  Zion. 
But  like  many,  who  have  devoted  their  time  to 
the  study  of  the  sciences,  we  soon  find  him 
complaining  of  his  heart  being  drawn  away 
2* 


18  EDWAED   WEED. 

from  the  usual  frequent  and  deep  communings 
of  God  with  his  soul. 

'•''May  \2>tli. — The  mercies  of  the  past  week 
have  been  administered  to  me  by  the  liberal 
hand  of  m}-  kind  Heavenly  Father,  but  I  have 
not  been  suitably  affected  by  them.  I  have 
reason  to  call  upon  my  soul,  and  all  that  is 
within  me,  to  praise  the  Lord  ;  but  I  have  to 
mom*n  my  insensibility  to  such  infinite  love. 

"  June  dOth. — This  day  has  been  set  apart  by 
this  institution  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer. 
I  would  ask  myself,  wliat  I  have  most  reason 
to  be  humble  for?  What  are  my  most  easily 
besetting  sins?  How  have  I  been  brought  in- 
to my  present  unfeeling  state?  Why  are  my 
thoughts  so  rarely  dwelling  upon  heavenly  and 
divine  things?  May  I  have  wisdom  imparted 
to  me  from  above,  that  I  may  examine  my 
heart,  that  I  may  know  its  secret  springs  of  ac- 
tion— know  my  sins,  and  have  a  just  sense  of 
their  aggravation. 

'■'•Evening. — While  reflecting,  today,  upon 
my  manner  of  life  since  I  became  a  member  of 
this  institution,  my  coldness  and  indifference 
justly  bring  me  charged  with  wounding  Christ 
in  the  house  of  his  friends,  and  stupidly  leav- 
ing in  peril  souls  for  whom  he  died.  But  '  I 
will  arise  and  go  to  my  Heavenly  Father.'  Oh, 


FAini   AND   WOEKS.  19 

that  I  may  not  live  to  bring  reproach  upon  his 
blessed  cause,  and  dishonor  his  glorious  name. 

"  31st — Sahbath.—Th'ia  is  a  beautiful  morning, 
the  air  is  mild  and  pleasant,  and  all  the  vege- 
table and  animal  creation  appear  to  praise  their 
great  Creator,  Surely  man,  the  most  noble 
specimen  of  creation,  should  unite  in  their 
praises  to  his  Maker  and  Redeemer.  My  soul, 
delay  not  thou  a  moment  in  rising  from  the 
things  of  the  world,  to  things  unseen  and 
heavenly. 

"  Oct.  Ist,  1827. — This  day  is  set  apart  as  a 
day  of  fasting  and  humiliation  before  God,  by 
the  members  of  this  institution.  I  hope  he  may 
send  down  his  blessed  Spirit,  and  cause  his 
gracious  influences  to  be  felt  in  our  midst.  In 
looking  back  upon  my  life  during  the  past  sea- 
son, I  can  see  that  while  I  thought  myself  to  be 
supremely  attached  and  devoted  to  God,  my 
life  and  conversation  has  done  much  to  promote 
the  cause  of  Satan.  How  can  a  being  thus 
wrapt  up  in  self,  promote  the  cause  of  that  glo- 
rious Being,  whose  name  is  Love  ? 

"  3^. — The  last  two  days  have  been  days  of 
great  solemnity.  Appearances  encourage  us 
to  believe  that  God  is  about  to  pour  out  his 
Spirit  upon  us.  May  this  be  our  blessed  case, 
and  may  my  own  heart  share  largely  in  the 
work. 


20  EDWAED   WEED. 

"  4:th. — Attended  the  opening  of  the  Albany 
Sj'iiod.  The  sermon  was  preaclied  by  llev. 
Mr,  B.,  of  Troy.  His  text  was,  '  Preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature.'  1st,  "What  is  the 
guS])el  ?  Good  news.  What  does  the  term 
preach  signify  ?  To  proclaim  as  a  herald. 
Hence,  the  command  is,  to  proclaim  as  a  herald 
God's  message  of  good  news  to  lost  men,  to 
every  creature  ;  not  merely  about  us,  but  to 
every  creature  every  where — the  ricli,  the  poor, 
the  honorable  and  the  despised,  the  youth,  mid- 
dle-aged and  aged.    His  remarks  were  cutting. 

"  Idth. — Heard  Rev.  John  Frost  preach  from 
Psalm  cxix.  72.  'The  law  of  thy  mouth  is  bet- 
ter unto  me  than  thousands  of  gold  and  silver.' 
1st,  Introductorj'  remarks.  2d,  Contrasted  the 
blessings  flowing  from  riches  witii  those  flcnv- 
ing  from  obedience  to  the  law  of  God.  In  his 
remarks  he  said,  if  the  law  of  the  Lord  was 
more  precious  than  thousands  of  gold  and  sil- 
ver, how  diligent  we  should  be  in  searching  it 
out.  Parents  who  teach  their  children  the  fear 
of  God  and  love,  of  his  law,  bestow  on  them  a 
better  legacy  than  thousands  of  gold  and  silver. 

"  15M. — Received  a  letter  from  friend  R.  S. 
M.  Wrote  one  to  Br.  William.  Oh,  tluit  the 
Lord  would  sanctify  it  to  the  saWation  of  his 
soul." 

During  Mr.  Weed's  four  years  of  study  at  the 


FAITH    AND    WORKS.  21 

Oneida  Institute,  by  his  exercising  close  self- 
denial,  and  continuing  in  persevering  effort  to 
sustain  himself,  he  succeeded  without  incurring 
debt. 

"  Ilis  indefatigable  industry,  manly  deport- 
ment, and  ardent  piety,  secured  to  him  many 
friends,  and  confidence  was  placed  in  him, 
which  gave  him  posts  of  honor  and  places  of 
trust." 

Having  passed  honorably  through  with  his 
collegiate  course,  he  returned  home  to  his  pa- 
rents, and  for  a  year  or  more  was  engaged  in 
teaching  school  in  that  vicinity  ;  also  pursuing 
his  own  studies  without  instructors. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THEOLOGICAL   STUDIES. 
(diary  continued.) 

In  1832  a  theological  seminary  was  com- 
menced at  Walnut  Hills,  near  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  called  Lane  Seminary.  This  was  a 
manual  labor  institution,  presenting  facilities 
to  the  indigent  student  not  found  in  any  other 
theological  seminary  at  that  time  established 
in  the  country. 

Dr.  Lyman  Beecher  of  Boston,  became  its  first 
President ;  and  Mr.  Weed,  with  otiiers,  who 
pursued  their  collegiate  course  at  Oneida  In- 
stitute, constituted  a  goodly  portion  of  the  first 
class  of  students. 

With  a  talented  president,  and  a  comple- 
ment of  competent  professors,  he  commenced 
his  theological  studies  with  the  fairest  pros- 
pects of  attaining  what  he  ardently  desired,  a 
thorough   preparation   to   preach   the   gospel. 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  23 

Early  in  the  spring  of  1832  he  went  forth 
empty-handed  to  this  new  hall  of  science,  yet 
nothinrr  doubtins:  that  the  God  in  whom  Abra- 
ham  trusted  would  be  his  God,  direct  his  every 
step,  and  provide  for  every  want. 

His  occasional  diary,  at  this  date,  refers  al- 
most entirely  to  his  private  reading  and  labors, 
and  his  religious  exercises.     He  writes, 

"  May  ^Sth,  1832. — Have  this  morning  fin- 
ished reading  the  memoir  of  Pastor  Oberlin. 
Never  have  I  taken  up  a  book  with  expecta- 
tions less  raised,  or  laid  one  down  better  satis- 
fied that  my  time  has  been  well  spent.  The 
book  is  extremely  modest  and  unassuming  in 
its  appearance.  One  would  suppose  from  the 
manner  in  which  it  is  done  up  it  was  merely  a 
book  to  j)lease  children.  But  few  histories  of 
pious  and  distinguished  persons  are  better 
adapted  to  excite  the  reader  to  lively  activity, 
than  this  simple  narrative  of  Oberlin's  faith, 
zeal,  and  labors.  The  style  of  the  author  is 
unusually  pleasing;  perfect  simplicity  is  main- 
tained throughout ;  no  eflurt  made  at  display  ; 
no  desire  manifested  to  make  the  good  pastor 
the  hero  of  a  story.  The  whole  is  a  simple 
narrative  of  heart-melting,  spii it-stirring  facts. 
No  Christian  can  sit  down  to  their  perusal 
without  being  more  excited  and  encouraged  in 
the  work  of  doing  good." 


24  EDWARD   WEED. 

"  Oct.  — . — ^fy  dear  brother,  William  ncn- 
rj,  died  the  lirst  of  this  month.  Sick  only 
twelve  hom-s.  He  died  at  Kewark,  N.  Y.,  and 
was  much  respected  by  the  citizens  of  that 
place.  He  had  no  time  to  speak  of  hopes  or 
fears,  beinj^  insensible  from  the  first.  If  un- 
prepared— oh  !  dreadful  thought.  '  The  judge 
of  all  the  earth  will  do  right.' 

"  This  has  been  a  dreadful  month.  The 
cholera  has  been  among  us  doing  its  work  of 
death.  Many  wives  have  been  made  widows, 
and  children,  fatherless.  And  oh !  what  a 
number  of  souls  hurried  unprepared  into  eter- 
nity. From  four  to  five  hundred  of  the  popu- 
lation of  Cincinnati  died  in  the  short  space  of 
three  weeks.'' 

"  JVbv.  1'^tli. — Attended  meeting  in  the  city, 

and  heard  Dr.  13 ■  preach  a  sermon,  rich  in 

gospel  truth,  from  1  John  v.  -i.  lie  drew  a 
comparison  between  the  jo)-s  of  sense  and 
those  of  religion,  and  showed  how  faith  over- 
comes the  world.  I  assumed  the  responsi- 
bility of  superintending  the  Sabbath-school  in 
the  Sixth  Church.  Perhaps  I  have  been  un- 
wise. Tins  much  is  certain,  some  of  the  breth- 
ren owjlit  to  go  forward.  All  that  were  suit- 
able refused.  The  cause  of  Sabbath-schools  is 
perishing  for  want  of  help.  I  am  determined 
to  go  forward,  leaning  upoa  the  arm  of  the 


FAITH   AND   WOIiKS,  25 

Lord.     Took   a  class  likewise  in   the   Fourth 
Churoli. 

"  Sabbath  evening  I  spent  mostly  in  reading 
the  'Natural  History  of  Entiiusiasm.'  Its  au- 
tiior  is  yet  unknown.  It  is  a  work  character- 
ized by  deep  thought,  expressed  in  vigorous 
and  enchanting  language,  and  the  whole  bap- 
tized with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel.  No  Ciiris- 
tian  can  attentively  peruse  its  pages  without 
being  seai'ched  and  edified.  No  part  of  the 
book,  which  I  liave  read,  but  what  is  full 
of  useful  remark  and  instruction.  But  his 
thoughts  on  the  enthusiasm  of  pi'ophetical  in- 
terpretation and  a  special  providence,  which 
have  occupied  my  attention  this  evening,  are 
unusually  pertinent,  judicious,  and  weighty. 
They  are  well  worthy  the  serious  attention  of 
those  who  love  the  weal  of  Ziou,  at  the  present 
time. 

"  Dec.  23^. — Spent  the  evening  in  reading 
from  the  '  Remains  of  Cecil,'  a  book  of  inesti- 
mable value  to  the  minister.  '  Cecil'  was  a 
master-mind,  and  deeply  read  in  the  workings 
of  the  human  heart.  His  remarks  ought  to  be 
read,  re-read,  and  read  again. 

"  Some  of  his  views  are  singular,  perhaps 
wrong.  His  notions  of  ministerial  dignity,  I 
think  fallacious.  It  is  not  reasonable  for  me  to 
suppose,  because  1  have  devoted  myself  to  one 


26  EDWAKD   WEED. 

profession,  and  another  person  to  another,  that 
the  latter  can  give  nie  no  valuable  hints  in  my 
calling ;  or  that  if  he  attempts  the  thing,  I 
ought  to  repel  him  as  an  ignorant  assumer. 
Ko  ;  let  me  candidly  hear  his  suggestions,  and 
if  he  be  wrong,  let  me  convince  him  of  it.  It 
is  the  part  of  true  dignity  to  learn  of  all.  It  is 
said  that  Perkins,  the  celebrated  steam-engi- 
neer, spent  much  time  and  several  thousand 
dollars  to  remedy  a  defect  in  the  machinery 
of  his  steam-engine,  which  was  finally  accom- 
plished by  a  leather  strap,  which  was  suggested 
by  a  bj^-stander,  and  cost  only  eighteen-pence. 
'  The  mind  that  is  fully  possessed  with  the 
desire  to  know  good  things,  and  infuse  a 
knowledge  .of  them  into  others,  wlien  such  a 
man  would  sj:>eak,  his  words,  like  so  many 
nimble  and  airy  servitors,  trip  about  him  at 
command,  and  in  well-ordered  files,  as  he 
would  wish,  fall  aptly  into  their  places.'  La- 
vater  and  Cecil  were  constantly  in  the  habit 
of  reading  men,  and  instead  of  a  fictitious 
character,  in  their  illustrations,  they  always 
took  a  real  one.     A  good  plan. 

"  Dec.  25th. — ^The  man  who  would  find 
happiness,  must  even  bear  to  have  it  beaten 
into  him.  No  one  ever  found  it  by  chance  or 
yawned  it  into  being  with  a  wish. 

"  26th. — Went  to  city  to-day,  and  heard  the 


FAITU   Ai!JD  AV014KS.  27 

inanecnral  addresses  of  Dr.  Beecher  and  Pro- 
fessor  Uiggs.  I  was  liiglily  delighted  with 
them,  particuhirly  with  the  Doctor's.  lie  treat- 
ed the  whole  subject  of  education  with  a  mas- 
terly hand.  The  charge  of  the  trustees  of  the 
Institution  to  the  candidates,  by  Mr.  Gallighei*, 
Avas  line  and  heart  moving.  Ilis  own  feelings 
kindled,  and  his  tears  flowed  in  unison  with 
many  others.  His  eloquence  is  Nature's  elo- 
quence. 

'"'  Bought  another  blank  book  to-day,  and 
am  determined,  from  this  time  forward,  to  re- 
cord whatever  train  of  thought  shall  appear  to 
me  profitable,  which  may  occur  in  my  various 
reading.  I  am  fully  convinced  my  manner  of 
reading,  thinking  and  acting,  has  been  alto- 
gether too  desultory  and  unsystematized.  I 
am  now  twenty-five  years  old,  and  have  spent 
from  five  to  six  years  in  close  study.  Have 
thought  much  upon  a  variety  of  subjects,  and 
have  written  but  little  upon  any  ;  of  course  my 
acquirements  must  be  a  disorganized,  un- 
digested, crude  mass.  With  the  lielp  of  God, 
I  am  determined  to  be  more  diligent  thorough 
and  systematic  in  all  my  eflforts. 

"316/',  10  o'docl'^  c veiling. — Have  spent  the 
evening  thus  far  in  examining  the  institution 
of  the  Lord's  Sujjper,  My  mind  was  drawn  to 
the  investigation  of  this  subject  by  having  wit- 


28  EDWARD    WEED. 

nessecl  its  celebration  yesterday ;  when,  I 
thought,  there  was  a  manifest  departure  from 
the  mode  laid  down  in  scripture.  My  opinion 
lias  been  fully  conlirined  by  the  investigation. 
Ministers  are  altogether  too  careless  upon  sub- 
jects of  this  nature.  There  ought  to  be  great 
care  to  administer  the  ordinances  of  the  Gos- 
pel, as  far  as  practicable,  according  to  script- 
ural instruction.  Otherwise,  by  constant  in- 
novations and  changes,  their  original  beauty 
and  simplicity  will  be  done  away,  and  the 
thing  represented  by  them  lost  sight  of.  The 
Romish  Church  is  an  example. — I  have  re- 
solved to  spend  the  coming  day  in  a  retrospect 
of  the  i^ast  year.  I  am  almost  afraid  to  com- 
mence the  work,  so  much  of  the  past  year  has 
been  flittered  away.  There  are  so  many  gross 
violations  of  duty,  so  many  opportunities  of 
doing  good  neglected,  so  much  coldness  and 
deadness  has  ]>ervaded  my  soul,  that  it  is  a 
fearful,  dreadful  business.  Were  God  strict  to 
nuii'k  iniquity,  even  fortius  one  year,  I  should 
sink  to  the  lowest  hell.  I  have  lived  twenty- 
iive  years,  and  none  of  them  have  been  less 
sinful  than  the  last.  Where  could  I  flee  were 
it  not  for  the  Saviour  ?  Commenced  a  letter 
to  my  parents,  giving  them  a  short  account  of 
my  labors  and  studies  the  past  year. 

"  Jan.  Qth.,  1833. — Arose  this  morning  with 


FAITir   AND   WOKKS.  29 

ray  spirits  mnch  'leprosRcd.  Have  felt,  for  a 
few  (lays,  some  alarming  symptoms  of  disease  ; 
a  pain  in  the  pit  of  my  stomach,  which  causes 
me  mucli  trouble. 

Spent  Saturday  afternoon  at  Mr.  Brainard's, 
in  arranging  the  Sabbath-school  Library  be- 
lonirinij  to  his  Church.     AVliile  there  I  saw 

Mr.    and    Mrs.   .      They    are    returned 

missionaries.  Within  a  few  weeks  past,  I  have 
frequently  met  with  them.  His  health  is  poor 
and  his  mind  beclouded.  They  are  both  per- 
fect specimens  of  hypochondria  in  religion. 
]\[ay  the  Lord  preserve  me  from  such  a  state. 
This  morning  I  attended  a  communion  season 
at  the  seminary.  I  was  again  pained  at  the 
departure  from  the  Scriptural  manner  of  ad- 
ministering the  ordinance.  Singing  was  inter- 
spersed through  the  whole  service,  and  the 
bread  broken  by  each  communicant. 

"  1th. — This  day  has  been  set  apart,  by  several 
denominations  of  Christians,  throughout  the 
United  States,  as  a  season  of  fasting  and  prayer 
for  the  conversion  of  the  world.  Three  of  the 
churches  in  Cincinnati  united  together  in  the 
observance  of  it.  I  was  priWleged  with  at- 
tending their  meetings.  Seldom  has  it  been 
my  lot  to  witness  more  interesting  and  sol- 
enm  convocations  of  the  people  of  God. 
There  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  a  re- 
3* 


so  EDWARD   WEED. 

vival  is  commencing  in  Cincinnati.  May 
the  Lord  grant  it  to  be  one  of  exceeding 
power.  In  tlie  evening,  attended  the  con- 
cert in  the  Fourth  Church,  and  made  a  state- 
ment of  missionary  facts.  When  will  my 
stupid  heart  become  thoroughly  j^enetrated 
with  tlie  love  of  God? 

"  12th. — I  am  at  present  engaged  evenings, 
in  reading  Williams'  Commentary  on  Solo- 
mon's Songs.  This  book,  on  account  of  its  high 
wrought  eastern  ligures,  has  always  been  to  me 
one  of  difKcult  interpretaiion.  I  hope  to  be 
much  benefitted  by  the  volume  before  me. 

"  ISth. — Sahhath. — In  the  morning  I  was  en- 
gaged in  investigating  what  is  meant  by  being 
created  in  the  image  of  God.  Perhaps  the 
25opular  opinion  may  not  be  the  true  one :  Gen. 
i.  27 ;  V.  1,3;  2d  Cor.  iii.  18 ;  Col.  iii. 
10  ;  Eph.  iv.  24 ;  1  John  iii.  2  ;•  1  Cor.  xv.  49. 
In  the  morning,  heard  a  missionary  sermon 
from  Mr.  B.  He  is  a  man  full  of  the  spirit  and 
love  of  the  gospel.  By  zeal  and  love  he  will 
do  much  to  awaken  the  western  churches. 
His  sermon  wanted  system.  Philosophy, 
doctrines,  facts  and  aj^plications,  were  all 
mingled  together.  In  the  evening  I  heard 
Bro.  Brainard  preach.  Ilis  sul)ject  was  the 
terror    of   the  law.     His    sermon  was  well 


FAITn    AND   WORKS.  31 

arrangod,   admirahlj  illustrated,    and    deliv- 
ered with  much  feeling. 

"  2Wi. — Have  been  engaged,  when  not  oc- 
cupied with  seminary  duties,  for  several  days 
])ast,  in  writing  letters  to  friends.  Bent  a  foh'o 
sheet  to  my  parents." 


CHAPTER  Y. 

LEA^TES  LANE LICENSED   TO    PREACH ANTI- 

SLAVEKY   L ABORS MARRI At? K. 

For  nearly  tln-ee  years  after  Mr.  Weed  went 
to  Lane  Seminary,  lie  })ursue(l  liis  theological 
studies  witii  assiduity  and  success  ;  and  was 
already  anticipating-  their  corn})]etion  and  Ids 
license  to  preach,  when  a  circumstance  occur- 
red, which  changed  the  whole  aspect  of  his 
future. 

In  the  literary  society  to  which  he  helouged, 
the  Anti-slavery  question  was  taken  up  and 
discussed  as  a  mere  chance  question.  The 
subject  elicited  much  interest  as  one  of  prac- 
tical importance ;  involving  so  much  con- 
nected with  the  morals  and  i"eligion  of  the 
country,  and  covered  so  much  ground,  that 
it  was  continued  in  deljatc  week  after  week. 
The  trustees  fearing  the  consequences  of  the 
excitement  which  was  naturally  induced  in 


VArrn  and  woijks.  3"> 

tlie  scminaiy  and  community  aronnd,  re- 
quested tlie  students  to  drop  the  subject. 
Tliey  ])er8isted,  and  finally  an  ordinance  was 
passed  proliihitini;- its  i'urther  discussion.  Mr. 
Weed,  with  a  largo  numher  of  the  students, 
considei'ing  tliis  act  of  the  trustees,  an  unjusti- 
fiable prohil)ition  of  their  freedom  of  speech, 
asked  a  dismission,  and  left  the  seminary. 
He  with  others — some  of  them  sons  of  slave- 
holders at  the  South — went  to  Cumminsville, 
about  six  miles  from  Cincinnati,  and  sat  down 
for  three  months,  to  the  critical  examination 
of  the  Old  Testament  in  Hebrew,  that  they 
might  the  better  understand  the  Hebrew  in- 
stitutions, as  recorded  there.  Tlie  young  men 
thus  scattered,  made  themselves  well  acquaint- 
ed with  the  system  of  American  slavery,  and 
stood  up  a  marshalled  host  against  oppression. 

In  Nov.  1835,  at  Russelville,  Ohio,  Mr. 
Weed  was  licensed  by  the  Chilicothe  Presby- 
tery, to  preach  the  Gospel ;  and  went  forth  on 
his  mission  of  love  among  the  destitute. 

He  was  invited  to  become  lecturing  agent 
for  the  Am.  Anti-slavery  Society,  in  which 
capacity  he  labored  some  six  months,  when 
he  was  induced  to  become  the  General  Agent 
for  the  Ohio  State  A.  S.  Soc.  Under  the 
direction  of  this  Soc,  he  visited  and  organ- 
ized    auxiliary    societies     in     almost    every 


34  EDWARD   Wl-nCD. 

comity  in  the  State  ;  lectured,  discussed  witli 
opponents  in  liundi'cds  of  its  villaijes  ;  Avas 
niubbod  :  and  wicked  men  tlireatcned  liis  lite, 
though  in  the  kind  ]>rovidence  of  God,  lie 
escajied  uninjured.  Extracts  from  his  letters 
at  this  time,  will  ex]iil)it  by  his  own  testi- 
mony, his  s^nrit  and  labors. 

"Rochester,  N.  Y.,  March  1th,  183G. 
"  Dear  Sisters  : — Perhaps  you  think  by  this 
time  that  Br.  Weed,  in  the  midst  of  old  friends 
and  acquaintance,  has  forgotten  you  ;  it  is  not 
so,  though  I  have  not  written  to  you  as  soon  as 
I  intended.  Yet  I  have  constantly  carried  you, 
and  the  blessed  cause  in  which  you  are  en- 
gaged, on  my  heart.  I  will  give  you  a  short 
account  of  my  journeyings  and  doings  since  I 
left  Cincinnati : — In  the  Urst  place  Br.  R.  and 
myself  have  been  together  but  very  little.  We 
parted  at  Columbus  ;  he  remained  and  spent 
the  Sabbath  there,  with  the  colored  people, 
and  I  went  on  to  Mt.  Vernon,  and  stopped 
with  Bro.  Iligbie.  Preached  for  him  three 
times  ;  once  from  Ps.  Ixviii.  31 :  '  Ethiopia  shall 
soon  stretch  forth  her  hands  unto  God,'  &c. 
In  this  discourse  I  pressed  the  claims  of 
the  colored  people  upon  their  sympathies, 
their  prayers  and  their  muniiicence,  and  par- 
ticularly   your    schools.     They    were    much 


FAITH    AND    AVOKKH.  o5 

interested,  and  intended  to  take  np  a  collec- 
tion the  next  SaLbatli ;  they  are  an  excellent 
people,  full  of  faith  and  p;ood  works,  and 
near]}'"  all  al)uliti()iiist8.  13r.  11.  is  doing  well; 
the  Lord  is  blessing  him  wonderfully.  His 
church  has  more  than  doubled  the  last  year. 
I  was  exceedingly  refreshed  and  encouraged  by 
my  visit  among  them.  I,  of  course,  intended  to 
take  the  first  stage  after  the  Sabbath  ;  but  in  this 
I  was  disa})pointed — it  was  full — and  by  this 
little  incident,  I  was  detained  two  days.  In- 
deed, I  was  all  the  rest  of  the  week  getting  to 
Cleveland — a  distance  of  90  miles. 

"At  C.  I  found  Pres.  Mahan,  and  several 
of  the  Oberlin  brethren  engaged  in  a  protract- 
ed meeting;  the  Lord  was  blessing  them. 
When  I  left  there  were  40  or  50  in  the  anxious 
room.  Br.  M.  preaches  with  great  power. 
Just  opposite  C,  on  the  other  side  of  the 
river,  he  had  just  closed  a  protracted  meet- 
ing ;  in  which  from  one  to  two  hundred  souls 
w^ere  hopefully  converted. 

"  From  C.  I  came  to  this  place,  stayed 
over  the  Sabbath,  and  then  went  directly 
on  to  Utica,  where  I  found  Br.  Weld,  clos- 
ing up  his  long  and  splendid  course  of 
lectures.  On  the  evening  of  his  concluding 
lecture,  six  himdred  names  were  obtained  to 
the  Abolition    pledge.     Many  of  the    good 


36  EDWARD   WEED. 

people  seemed  to  feel  as  though  they  had 
experienced  a  new  conversion  ;  and  that  an  im- 
portant revival  of  religion  liad  occurred  among 
them. 

"  While  there,  I  presented  the  claims  of  your 
schools.  The  ladies  of  U ,  will  do  some- 
thing handsome  for  you.  I  returned  to  this 
place  with  brethren  W —  and  S — .  And  here 
we  are,  making  our  arrangements  for  future 
action. 

"West  Union,  Juhj  5t/t,  1830. 
"  Deak  Sister  : — I  am  now  on  the  sixth  let- 
ter that  I  have  written  this  morning.  All  my 
time  has  been  occupied  since  I  left  Cincinnati. 
Tuesday  night  I  preached  at  New  Richmond  ; 
Wednesday  I  rode  to  Br.  Brooks  school,  25 
miles  distant;  the  next  day  I  went  to  Itipley, 
(by  way  of  lied  Oak);  preached  there  in  the 
evening;  on  the  following  moi-ning  traversed 
the  whole  village  of  Jiipley,  with  Br.  llankin, 
soliciting  donations  for  the  house,  among  the 
colored  people,  and  obtained  nearly  forty  dol- 
lars ;  then  got  into  my  gig  (alias  go-cart)  and 
rode  15  miles,  by  which  time  it  was  8  p.  m.  ; 
in  the  morning  I  rode  12  miles,  lectured  on 
slavery  two  hours,  organized  a  society  of  lifty 
members,  distributed  and  sold  numerous  in- 
cendiary pamphlets,   &c.    &c. ;   on   the  Sab- 


FATTII    AND    AVOKK^t.  87 

butli  I  preaclicd  twjcc  in  places  four  miles 
apjii-t;  yestcrduy  I  delivered  a  teniperancc 
lecture  at  12  o'clock,  two  hours  loiif;  ;  and 
then  rode  to  this  place,  twclv^e  miles.  By  this 
short  sketch,  you  can  see  how  1  am  hauled 
about.  But  you  will  say,  "  Why  did  you 
write  five  letters  before  you  touched  mine  ?" 
I  will  tell  you.  It  is  always  my  rule  to 
attend  to  those  things  immediately  connected 
with  my  regular  business  ;  and  then  if  I  have 
any  spare  time,  to  devote  it  to  that  whicli 
is  not  indispensable.  Is  not  this  right '^ 
Christ,  you  know,  said  to  his  mother — when 
accused  of  a  seeming  neglect  of  his  parents, — 
"  Wist  ye  not  that  I  must  beabout  my  Father's 
business?" 

"  I  received  a  letter  last  evening  from  our 

dear  sister  W ,  saying  she  has  torty  schtil- 

ars  on  her  list,  and  thirty-live  in  regular  at- 
tendance. She  formed  a  maternal  association 
among  the  colored  females  of  ChilicoHie  on 
the  same  day  that  you  formed  yours  in  Cincin- 
nati, and  read  to  them  from  '  Abbott's  Mother 
at  Home,'  like  yourselves.  A  ha])j>y  coinci- 
dence this.  I  trust  both  societies  will  do  much 
good.  I  long  for  moie  of  the  unction  of  tiie 
lluly  Ghost,  more  weanedness  fruui  the  world. 
Pray  for  me.  I  spend  the  next  Sabbath  at 
Georgetown,  and  the  succeeding  one  at  Man- 


38'  EDWAPD   -WEED. 

Chester.  Have  been  threatened,  since  I  com- 
menced blowing  the  abolition  trumpet,  with 
egj-s,"  ifec  itc. 

"  PlKETON,  Jul  J/  17t7i,  1S36. 

"  My  Deak  : — Butli  your  letters  were 

duly  received.  Much  violence  is  abroad  in 
the  land.  For  the  lust  four  days  I  have  been 
in  the  midst  of  an  infuriated  mob  who  were 
seeking  my  life.  But  the  Lord  has  delivered 
me  out  of  their  hand.  I  have  just  communi- 
cated the  particulars  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Birney, 
and  you  will  probably  see  it  in  the  '  Philan- 
thropist' I  was  enabled,  through  the  whole 
scene,  to  remain  perfectly  firm  and  self-pos- 
sessed. Among  the  friends  that  stood  by 
me  were  some  noble-hearted  women ;  they 
had  the  spirit  of  martyrs  ;  tliey  were  none 
of  your  fainting  sort.  I  shall  hold  them 
in  everlasting  remembrance  for  the  noble- 
hearted  willingness  which  they  manifested  to 
take  joyfully  the  siioiling  of  their  goods.  Oh  ! 
how  refreshing,  now  and  then,  to  meet  with 
whole-souled  men  and  women.  Perhaps  I 
may  be  called  to  die  a  martyr  to  the  cause 
which  I  am  pleading.  I  feel  that  necessity  is 
upon  me  to  be  ready  to  die  at  any  moment. 

"  Now,  while  I  am  writing,  there  are  men 
all  around  thirsting  for  my  blood,  and  would 


kill  me,  if  tlicy  had  a  good  opportunity,  as 
soon  as  they  would  a  snake  !  Pray  for  me, 
that  I  may,  in  ])atience,  possess  my  soul,  and 
be  ready  to  dej)art  M'henever  God  calls.  "NYe 
have  fallen  upon  perilous  times ;  law  is  pros- 
trate, God  alone  must  be  our  shield  and  pro- 
tector. The  crisis  is  not  yet  come,  but  is  fast 
approaching.  I  say,  with  all  my  soul,  let  it 
come  f  I  may  fall,  but  truth  must  and  will 
triumph.  I  shall  probably  leave  here  to-mor- 
row.    Adieu." 

"  Gkkenfield,  Sq)t.  2d,  1836. 

"  My  Dear  Brother  : — Your  letter  was  read 
by  me  with  pleasure,  and  I  -am  glad  you  are 
not  satisfied  with  your  present  occupation. 
Not  that  I  count  it  dishonorable ;  every  honest 
occupation  is  honorable  ;  but  we  may  mistake 
our  calling,  and  thus  impair  our  usefulness  and 
happiness  through  life.  If  this  be  true,  how 
much  thought,  prayer,  acquaintance  with  self 
and  the  world,  are  necessary  for  a  young  man 
in  choosing  his  station  on  the  arena  of  life. 

"  In  seeking  the  advice  of  friends,  take  no 
man's  opinion  as  infallible,  but  make  it  your 
invariable  practice  fo  tJilnl'for  yourself.  Tliis 
will  give  independence,  strength,  and  \agor  of 
mind. 

"  To  get  a  good  education  is  no  small  under- 


40     *  KDWAKD   AVKKP. 

taking.  It  is  not  boys'  plav.  Tie  tliat  at- 
tempts it  and  is  successful  must  sit  down  tirst 
and  count  the  cost.  There  jire,  however,  no 
difficulties  but  what  aj:>plication  and  persever- 
ance will  overcome.  It"  ^'our  mind  is  unalter- 
ably made  up  to  get  an  education,  I  would 
advise  you,  by  all  means,  to  enter  the  Oberlin 
Institution  next  sprintj.  The  reason  I  preiey 
your  entering  Oberlin  is,  because  there,  I 
think,  you  will  be  surrounded  by  circumstan- 
ces best  calculated  to  develop  3'our  mind,  and 
make  you  an  efficient  and  useful  man.  Stay 
where  you  are  until  spring,  faithfully  discharg- 
ing the  duties  of  your  station,  as  much  so  as 
though  you  intended  to  make  it  your  business 
through  life.  In  the  mean  time  improve  every 
opportunity  of  stoi-ing  your  iiiind  M'itli  useful 
knowledge  by  i-eading.  Every  moment  lost  is 
robbing  you  oi'  power.  Time  is  power — time 
is  money — time  is  knowledge,  and  industry  is 
the  key  to  unlock  them  all. 

"  I  am  still  lecturing  on  the  subject  of  sla- 
very ;  tVe(pie?itly  surrf^mded  by  mobs,  threat- 
ened on  every  side.  But  poor  souls,  they  are 
great  cowards  !  You  ask,  had  I  not  better  re- 
linquish the  business?  No — never!  So  long 
as  the  Loid  gives  me  strength  to  plead  tlic 
cause  of  the  poor  and  needy,  my  mouth  shall 
be  opened  for  the  dumb.     As  to  danger.     '  If 


•PAITII    AND   WOKKS.  41 

tlic  Lord  is  my  helper,  I  will  not  fear  what 
man  can  do  unto  me !'  I  feel  as  though  a  cri- 
sis had  arrived  in  the  history  of  our  country, 
in  which  it  is  the  duty  of  every  good  man  to 
take  his  stand  on  the  side  of  law,  trutli,  aud 
the  oppressed,  and  to  maintain  it  at  the  peril 
of  his  life.  No  other  course  can  save  us  from 
ruin.  My  dear  brother,  let  me  entreat  you  to 
study  well  the  law  of  love^  the  foundation  stone 
of  all  the  great  principles  of  liberty.  Let  it 
clothe  you  as  a  garment." 

"  W.  Union,  Sept.  ^Sth,  1830. 

"My   Dkar  : — All    your  letters   have 

been  received.     Tiie  one  left  at  0 I  did 

not  get  until  a  few  days  since.  I  sympathize, 
with  all  my  soul,  in  your  trials.  I  know  how 
distressing  is  the  apprehension  that  the  plans 
of  usefulness,  whicli  we  have  prayerfully  and 
in  the  benevolence  of  our  heart  f  )rmed,  must 
be  given  up.  It  is,  indeed,  ])lucking  out  the 
right  eye.  I  trust,  however,  the  Lord  will  be 
to  you  much  better  than  your  feai-s.  He  not 
of  raid.  Why  should  you  ?  '  All  things  shall 
work  together  for  the  good  of  them  that  love 
God.'  What  a  promise  !  How  broad  !  How 
deep!  How  full!  Engrave  it  on  the  palms 
of  your  hand,  and  let  it  be  inwrought  with 
every  fibre  of  your  soul.     The  reason  that  I 


42  EDWAKD   WEED. 

did  not  meet  you  at  C was  that  I  did  not 

know  when  you  would  be  there.  At  the  time 
you  was  there  I  was  at  Waverley,  in  the  midst  of 
a  bloodthirsty,  infuriated  mob,  only  seventeen 
miles  from  you.  Since  that  time  I  have  labored 
most  incessantly,  and,  I  trust,  not  altogether 
unsuccessfully.  I  will  give  you  a  specimen. 
It  is  now  Wednesday  eve ;  I  have  travelled 
this  week  fifty  miles,  and  spoken  six  times, 
averaging  an  hour  and  a  half  each  time.  I 
always  succeed  in  securing  the  most  profound 
attention,  even  from  the  mob,  when  they  come 
within  the  hearing  of  my  voice.  I  have  met 
with  no  serious  interruptions  since  I  last  wrote. 
The  enemies  of  the  cause  seem  to  satisfy  them- 
selves at  present  with  getting  up  reports  that  I 
have  been  most  inhunumly  beaten  or  mur- 
dered, to  harass  my  friends.  In  making  up 
lies  of  this  sort  they  discover  great  ingenuity. 
Hitherto  the  Lord  hath  preserved  me." 

On  the  nth  of  Is^'ov.,  183G,  Mr.  TTeed  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Phebe  Mathews, 
of  Mexico,  N.  Y.;  a  young  lady  of  kindred 
spirit,  and  with  whom  he  became  acquainted 
while  she  was  engaged  in  teaching  among 
the  free  colored  people  of  Cincinnati.  He  fol- 
lowed not  the  Hebrew  rule  to  remain  in  rest 
at  home  a  year,  but  in  a  few  days  he  resumed 


FAirn    AND   WORKS.  43 

his  labors,  of  travel,  peril,  and  toil.  When 
her  health  would  permit  of  it,  Mrs.  "Weed  ac- 
companied him,  "not  to  be  ministered  unto, 
but  to  minister;"  "throwing  her  whole  S(»ul 
into  the  work,  and  wherever  she  went  stamp- 
ing it  with  her  own  impress." 

"  Mansfield,  Nov.  IGth. 

"  My  Dear  Wife  : — On  Sabbath  day  I 
preached  three  times,  with  acceptance  to  the 
people,  and  was  blessed  in  my  own  soul.     I  am 

still  in  the  Vicinity  of  M lecturing  on  the 

sul)ject  of  slavery.  Pray  for  me.  I  think 
some  of  taking  Putnam  in  my  way  south.     I 

want   to   see  Brother  G ,  to  digest   some 

general  plan  of  operation  throughout  the  State ; 

and  Sister  S ,  to  devise  some  measures  for 

the  formation  of  a  Female  State  A.  S.  Society. 
1  think,  if  this  can  be  brought  about,  it  will  be 
the  means  of  accomplishing  much  for  the  poor 
slave. 

"  When  woman  shall  stand  forth  in  her 
glory,  filling  the  sphere  designed  her,  and 
clothed  in  her  moral  beaut}',  I  shall  think  the 
millennium  is  near  at  hand.  Let  there  be  de- 
vised some  means  by  which  the  intelligent,  the 
philanthropic,  the  great,  warm,  gushing-hearted 
women  of  the  nation,  can  be  brought  together 
to  exchange  views,  take  an  inventory  of  the 


44  KTIAVARD   WKED. 

Avants  of  their  sex,  and  adopt  measures  to  sup- 
ply those  wants,  and  to  set  up  the  standard  of 
female  education  and  moral  action  wliere  God 
placed  it.  Little  yet  has  been  done  cunipara- 
tively  in  the  female  world.  It  cannot  much 
longer  be  overlooked  or  remain  inactive.  Tiicre 
must  soon  be  a'move  upon  this  subject.  What 
part  think  you,  Providence  has  designed  you 
to  act  ?  Are  you  to  stand  forth  among  the 
daughters  of  America,  and  exert  an  extended 
and  lioly  influence  in  the  education  of  your 
sex  ?" 

"iVoy.   2"2rZ.— Dkar  Wife:—!   am   still  at 

M .     Am  to  lecture  here  to-night,  to-mor 

row  night,  and  the  following.  You  ask  what 
has  occasioned  you  to  stay  so  long?  The 
friends  are  so  anxious  to  hear,  and  have  some- 
thing done  upon  the  subject,  1  could  not  resist 
their  importunity.  I  lectured  last  week  in  a 
place  four  miles  distant.  The  people  were 
much  interested.  The  religious  portion  of 
them  felt  as  though  their  views  of  love  to  God 
and  man  had  been  much  enlarged,  and  their 
souls  instructed  in  righteousness.  I  am  more 
than  ever  convinced  that  pleading  the  cause 
of  the  poor  and  needy  is  not  inconsistent  with 
preaching  the  gospel,  but  that  it  is  an  indis- 
pensable part  of  a  minister's  duty. 


FAITJJ    AND   WOinvS.  45 

"  When  I  came  here  the  church  were  afVaid 
lest  they  should  not  be  able  to  stand  up  iiiuler 
all  the  obloquy  that  might  come  upou  them  if 
they  took  a  decided  stand.  Tlieir  faith  in  God 
lias  been  strengthened,  and  their  determina- 
tion to  go  forward  in  every  duty,  testifying 
against  every  sin.  I  hojje  a  richer  blessing 
may  follow. 

"  24^/i. — The  calls  to  lecture  here  are  so  nu- 
merous I  do  not  know  but  I  shall  give  up  the 
idea  of  going  south  soon.  I  am  beginning 
to  feel  1  can  do  more  good  by  staying  here 
and  in  the  vicinity  a  month  or  two  than  by 
going  anywhere  else. 

'"•  The  first  evening  I  lectured,  a  merchant,  a 
man  of  liberal  education,  objected  to  my  argu- 
ment. I  answered  the  objection ;  he  replied, 
and  thus  the  discussion  continued  the  whole 
evening.  Last  night  the  Congregational  house 
was  opened  for  us.  A  large  audience  attended, 
and  the  evening  was  spent  in  a. debate  with 
a  young  lawyer.  To-night  a  strong-minded 
farmer  is  to  enter  the  field  of  contest.  Thus 
far,  the  Lord  has  enabled  me  to  maintain  the 
truth  with  dignity  and  honor  ;  I  believe  his 
grace  will  still  sustain  me.  Again,  I  must 
say,  adieu." 


46  EDWAED   WEED. 

"  Mansfield,  JVby.  18^^,  183G. 

"  Dear  Br.  T : — The  last  week  I  spent 

at  Oberlin,  and  was  much  pleased  with  the  ap- 
pearance of  things  there.  The  Institution  is  in 
a  nourishing  condition,  well  furnished  with 
professors  of  the  highest  order  of  talent.  Stu- 
dents are  numerous,  more  than  they  can  ac- 
commodate. I  know  of  no  Institution  in  our 
country  where  is  collected  together  a  larger 
amount  of  piety  and  intellectual  power.  It  is 
just  the  place  for  you,  and  I  have  made 
arrangements  for  your  entering  next  spring. 
If  such  a  berth  had  been  offered  me,  when  I 
commenced  my  studies,  I  should  have  leaped 
with  joy.  I  hope,  dear  brotlier,  you  will  come 
with  a  full — I  wish  I  could  say  a  holy — deter- 
mination, that  the  world  shall  be  blessed  by 
your  living  in  it. 

''  I  am  now  in  the  vicinity  of  M ,  still 

lecturing  on  shivery.  AVhen  I  stop|»ed  here,  it 
wjis  witii  tiie  expectation  of  going  into  the 
southern  part  of  the  State  soon,  but  the  interest 
has  increased  so  nnich,  and  the  desire  to  hear, 
that  I  may  be  detained  for  some  time  in  this 
county. 

"  Write  soon.     Direct  to  O ,  and  it  will 

be  sent  on  to  me,  wherever  I  may  be. 
"  Your  affectionate  brother. 

"  Edward." 


CHAPTEE  YI. 

LETTERS   CONTINUED. CLOSES   HIS   A.    S.   LABORS. 

"Granyille,  Jan.  24^A,  1837. 

"  My  Dear  Wife  : — I  seize  ujjon  a  moment 
to  commence  a  letter  to  you.  You  do  not 
probably  regret  the  loss  of  my  society  more 
than  I  do  yours.  Be  assured  you  are  not  for- 
gotten. I  l)ad  a  quick  and  pleasant  ride  on 
Monday.  Found  the  friends  much  disap- 
pointed because  I  was  not  here  over  the  Sab- 
bath. 

"  Preached  last  evening,  had  a  good  audi- 
ence, and  excellent  attention.     I  found  Brother 

P still  in  the  vicinity.     Last  Saturday  he 

went  out  to  11 to  lecture,  and  was  mobbed 

twice  on  that  day.  Monday  he  appointed  to 
lecture  again.  The  mobocrats,  alias  defenders 
of  the  constitution  and  union,  spent  the  Sab- 
bath in  scouring  the  country  and  rallying  their 
forces.     On  Monday  they  came  in  about  300 


48  ErnvAKi)  avkkd. 

strong.     Brother    K was   dragged  out  of 

the  i)ulpit  by  them,  and  remained  in  their 
hands  about  lialf  an  hour,  when  his  friends 
succeeded  in  extiicating  him.  He  then  went 
to  a  village  four  miles  distant,  lectured  that 
evening,  and  organized  a  society  of  36  mem- 

Lers.     lieturaed   to  II after  the  lecture, 

and  the  next  morning  lectured  there  without 
interruption,  and  organized  a  society  of  60 
members.  lie  left  liere  this  m<^)rning  for 
Mount  Vernon,  almost  worn  out  with  fatigue.  . 
"  26M. — 1  have  given  two  lectures  in  this 
place ;  the  young  ladies  of  the  seminary  at- 
tended. The  audience  has  numbered  about 
300.  I  doubt  not  you  are  still  praying  for  my 
sanctification.  I  am  endeavoring  to  strive  to- 
gether with  you  in  my  prayers  for  the  same 
object.  If  I  know  ni}'  own  heart,  it  is  the  set- 
tled determination  of  un'  soul  to  i)e  a  holy 
man.  I  know  nutiiing  else  will  make  me  use- 
ful or  happy.  Tlie  apj)laut;e  of  man  and  the 
i^ood  things  of  this  world,  how  empty,  how  ut- 
terly insutlicient  to  till  the  desires  of  an  im- 
mortal spirit !  God  alaiw  can  do  this.  1  think 
I  can  say  with  the  Psalmist,  '  I  shall  be  satis- 
tied  when  I  awake  with  thy  likeness.'" 

"  Mansfield,  Feb.  Mh. 
"  I  arrived  here  last  evening.     Found  yom* 


FAITH   AJJD    WOEKS.  49 

letter  in  tlie  oflice  ;  it  refrcslied  iny  soul  much. 
Sometimes  I  give  way  to  my  feelings,  get  sick  of 
my  business.  Think  it  hard  to  be  constantly 
among  strangers,  away  from  home.  Nothing 
befoi'e  me  but  hibor,  labor — toil,  toil — fatigue — 
talk,  talk  !  Then,  again,  I  remember  how  much 
Christ  did  for  a  dying  world.  For  thirty-thi-ec 
long  years  left  his  throne  of  glory,  his  Father's 
bosom,  and  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  him 
e-ndured  rhe  cross,  despising  tiie  shame.  And 
shall  I  be  unwilling  to  make  these  little  sacri- 
fices, which,  compared  with  his,  are  infinitesi- 
mal nothings  ?  Such  reflections  revive  my 
spirit,  nerve  my  soul,  and  lead  me  to  despise 
myself  for  the  selfish  feelings  previously  in- 
dulged. My  last  letter  left  me  at  Granville. 
I  continued  my  lectures  there  until  Wednesday 
evening.  The  audiences  were  so  good,  the  at- 
tention so  fixed,  and  all  continued  so  quiet 
through  the  whole  that  the  people  consider  it 
a  perfect  triumph." 

"  Yekmilion,  Feb.  \^tJi. 

"1  am  at  this  place  delivering  a  course  of 
lectures — have  got  almost  through.  Thus  lar,  I 
have  had  full  and  attentive  audiences,  and  the 
prospect  is  of  forming  an  etiicient  society. 

"  My  health  is  good  with  the  exception  of  a 
slight  cold,  which  does  not,  however,  afl;ect  my 


60  KUWAKD   WEED. 

speaking  organs.  I  am  still  every  moniing 
pursuing  luy  biblical  studies.  I  bad  a  pre- 
cious feast  ibis  morning  in  reading  tbe  last 
cbapter  of  1  Corintbians,  and  part  of  tbe  first 
cbapter  of  2  Corintbians.  Tbe  deep  and  boly 
affection  wbicb  tbe  Apostle  manifests  for  bis 
Lretbren,  and  tbe  pure,  disinterested  benevo- 
lence, wbicb  breatbcs  in  every  line,  coniunuuls 
my  admiration  of  bim,  wbetber  I  possess  a  like 
benevolence  or  not.  I  bave  continued  aspira- 
tions after  boliness ;  but  wben,  ob !  wben, 
sball  I  be  holy  ? 

"  Idth. — Tliis  is  a  bitter  cold  morning,  and 
I  feel  about  as  juicy  as  a  boiled  cbip  ;  so  you 
may  prepare  yourself  for  some  brilliant  fligbts. 
Kespecting  my  coming  soutb,  I  tbink  I  sball 
be  able  to  do  so  in  tbe  course  of  tbreo  or  four 
weeks.  My  work  is  nearly  done  bere ;  tbere 
are  but  a  few  more  places  wbere  I  tbink  it 
will  be  profitable  to  lecture  in  tbis  vicinity. 

Fatber  M lectured  tbis  week  in  Asbland. 

Succeeded,  in  tbe  midst  of  mobs,  in  going 
tbrougb  witb  bis  course  and  forming  a  society. 
If  our  anniversary  is  beld  at  Granville,  I  bave 
agreed  to  spend  tbree  or  four  weeks  previous 
in  labor  in  Licking  County." 

"  Mansfield,  FS.  25th. 
"  I  got  bere  about  noon,  and  received  your 


1<'A1T1I   AND   ^V01iKS.  51 

good,  long  letter,  and  little  notes  without  num- 
ber, all  of  w  hi  ell  were  devoured  with  eager- 
uess.  You  know  nut  how  I  am  pressed  with 
tuil.  Alter  I  got  your  letters  today  it  was 
three  hours  before  I  ct»uld  command  time  to 
read  them,  my  heart  aching  all  the  time  to  be 
alone.  And  now  I  must  bid  you  good-night, 
and  prepare  for  the  Sabbath. 

"  Monday  Morning. — The  Sabbath  is  past, 
and  my  body  and  mind  have  been  much  re- 
freshed   by    the    rest    and    privileges    I    have 

enjoyed.     Brother  K stood  up  boldly  and 

preached  gloriously.  Bless  the  Lord !  This 
poor,  dying  world  is  wailing  and  groaning  for 
want  of  holy,  efficient  men  of  God.  I  preached 
but  one  sermon  j^esterday.  My  expectation 
now  is,  if  the  Lord  permit,  to  see  you  in  the 
course  of  three  weeks.  Last  week  I  was  lec- 
turing below  Belleville,  and  organized  a  soci- 
ety, Wednesday  I  go  to  Grallion.  Next  week 
come  back  here  and  lecture,  and  then  bid 
them  farewell." 

"  Gallion,  March  2>d. 
"  My  Dear  "Wife  : — Monday  I  mailed  a 
letter  to  you.  I  have  been  lecturing  every 
evening  since  except  Tuesday.  Have  been 
most  thoroughly  mobbed  ;  eggs  flew  as  thick  as 
grapes,  some  of  them  filled  witli  paint.     We 


62  EDWARD   WEED. 

all  got  well  bespattered,  females  and  all.  The 
mob  were  exceedingly  cowardly  ;  threw,  and 
then  i-nn.  Tu-murrow  I  am  to  lecture  again  at 
2  P.  M.,  if  the}^  do  not  shut  tlie  huuse — prob- 
ably they  may.  One  thing  I  have  to  comfort 
me  iu  all  these  untoward  events.  I  have  a 
room  where  I  can  be  alone — my  Bible  and 
communion  with  God.  I  had  a  sweet  season 
to-day  in  remembering  all  my  dear  friends; 
the  dear  brethren  with  whom  I  used  to  be 
associated  ;  those  that  are  ])leading  the  cause 
of  tlie  poor  and  needy  ;  and  those  engaged  in 
missions  and  revivals,  at  the  Throne  of  Grace. 
It  seemed  as  though  my  heart  communed 
freely  with  the  Saviour." 

"  Mansfield,  ^th. 
"  As  I  anticipated  tlie  house  was  shut  against 
me.  When  I  arrived  here  I  took  from  the 
ofrice  my  dear  father's  letter,  and  your  addi- 
tion, with  a  bound  of  joy.  It  is  agreed  that  I 
deliver  a  course  of  lectures  here  in  the  Congre- 
gational house  next  week.  We  shall  probably 
have  a  mob  to  iielp  us  on.  You  ask  in  one  of 
your  lettei's,  do  I  read  Mr.  Finney's  Lectures? 
I  do,  and  am  much  pleased  with  them.  Yes- 
terday 1  read  his  last  on  Ciiristian  perfection. 
It  c^ujmands  my  fullest  assent.  I  feel  that 
the  standard  of  holiness  must  be  set  higher  in 


FAmr  ANT>  WOEKS.  63 

the  clmrchos,  or  soon  thoy  will  be  only  a  mass 
of  hypocrites,  of  dead  ])ntridity.  If  the  Lord 
permit,  I  shall  leave  here  for  Putnam  this  day 
week,  and  shall  be  with  you  the  following 
Wednesday  or  Thursday.  May  the  Lord  guide 
us  both  and  keep  us  in  his  love." 

"  Unionville,  Mmj  'ilth. 
"  "Well,  my  dear,  I  am  tlirough  with  another 
week's  work,  and  shall  I  tell  yon  what  I  liave 
done  ?  I  have  lectured  eight  times,  organized 
one  new  society,  and  collected  about  one  hun- 
dred dollars.  Next  week  I  intend  to  collect 
another  hundred,  and  lecture  only  half  as 
many  times.  In  regard  to  my  coming  home 
to  rest,  I  know  how  much  you  feel  upon  the 
subject.  Do  not  feel  too  much.  I  intend  to 
spend  July  and  a  part  of  August  with  you  in 
rest.  But  I  am  constant!}^  thinking  of  that 
text,  '  What  thy  hand  findetb  to  do,  do  it  with 
thy  might.'  I  think  I  could  not  leave  the  field 
now  without  ffreat  detriment  to  the  cause. 
Our  State  treasury  is  empty,  it  is  even 'minus 
$100  or  $200.  Funds  must  be  raised  or  we 
must  shut  up  shop,  retreat  from  the  field,  and 
stop  operations.  With  the  blessing  of  the 
Lord  I  hope  to  rai^^e  a  thousand  dollars,  at 
least,  before  July.  If  I  can,  ought  I  not  to  do 
it  ?     I  know  you  will  wish  me  to  pursue  that 


54:  EDWAED   WEED. 

coni'se  tlifit  will   inost  promote  the  cause  of 
truth  and  righteousness. 

"  28?"^. — ^The  Sabbath  is  just  i)assed.  In 
some  respects  it  was  a  precious  day,  one,  how- 
ever, of  toil  and  fatigue.  Preached  twice,  and 
afterward  attended  a  prayer-meeting,  and 
spoke  at  some  length.  I  am  not  at  all  satisfied 
with  myself,  but  I  think  it  is  becoming  daily 
more  the  prevailing  feeling  of  my  heart  to  do 
all  for  the  sake  of  my  Saviour.  I  am  glad 
warm  weather  has  come,  for  now  I  can  make 
the  woods  my  closet,  flee  away  and  be  alone. 
I  have  had  in  this  way  some  precious  seasons 
in  reading  the  Scriptures.  I  long,  however, 
for  a  time  to  sit  down  and  examine,  at  my  lei- 
sure, some  subjects  of  great  interest  to  me.  I 
am  constantly  thirsting  for  more  knowledge." 

"  Jefferson,  Sq:)^  15th. 
"My  Dear  Wife  : — I  embrace  this  first  lei- 
sure moment  since  I  left  you  to  write,  and  will 
give  you  a  short  history  of  my  labors  the  last 
week.  I  have  met  with  no  accident  since  my 
plunge  in  the  mud  on  my  first  start,  and 
arrived  the  same  evening  at  Ohio  City,  after  a 
hot  and  fatiguing   ride.     Staid   with  Brother 

P over  night,  and  the  next  day  went  to 

Hudson.     Spent   the    Sabbath   there,    had    a 
precious  day  ;  preached  but  once,  and  spent 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  65 

most  of  my  time  in  reading  the  Scriptures  and 
in  prayer.  My  mind  has  become  mucli  inter- 
ested in  studying  the  propliecies  ;  they  help  me 
to  understand  the  present  signs  of  the  times. 
I  have  been  reading  tlie  projjhecy  of  Daniel, 
and  think  of  coinineucing  Isaiah,  with  the  help 
of  such  commentaries  as  I  can  find  in  my  way. 
From  Hudson  I  went  to  Painesville,  and  at- 
tended the  anniversary  of  the  Geauga  Co.  A. 
S.  Society.  Spoke  twice  to  large  audiences, 
made  up  of  people  from  all  parts  of  the  county. 
The  next  evening  I  lectured  at  Centreville. 
Yesterday  I  was  at  Ashtabula,  and  lectured 
twice.  Shall  do  no  more  talking  this  week. 
Collected  about  $00.  This  morning  I  met 
Urother  Allen  at  Ashtabula ;  expect  to  see  him 
again  at  Austinburg,  perhaps  spend  the  Sab- 
bath with  him  there.  To-morrow  I  intend  to 
spend  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer.  To-day, 
from  excessive  labor,  I  feel  remarkably  stupid. 
Most  of  the  time  I  have  enjoj'ed  some  commu- 
nion with  God,  some  genuine  longings  after 
holiness.  One  thing  I  have  been  striving  for 
in  particular  is  more  holy  boldness,  less  regard 
for  the  opinions  of  men  respecting  my  public 
performances.  I  am"v\'ell — have  felt  more  than 
m.y  usual  vigor  since  I  have  been  out  this 
time.  Adieu,  may  the  Lord  bless  and  keep 
you." 


66  EDWARD   WEED.  .     • 

"  FoAN-LEK,  Sqyt  20tk. 

"  My  Beloved  Wife  : — I  received  your  pr©. 
■cioiis  epistle  yesterday  at  AVarren.  I  suppose 
you  continue  to  have  '  a  feast  of  fat  things' 
served  up  to  you  daily  at  Oberlin.  At  Aiis- 
tinburg  I  had  a  precious  interview  with  Brother 
Allan,  and  parted  ^'ith  him  there,  probably 
for  the  last  time.  Saturda}'^  I  found  if  I  staid 
at  Austinburg  I  could  not  be  alone.  It  was  a 
beautiful  day,  I  mounted  my  horse,  threw  the 
reins  over  his  neck,  and  concluded  to  make  his 
back  my  closet.  In  this  way  I  rode  thirty 
miles  to  Farmington,  reading  and  praying 
most  of  the  way.     It  was  a  precious  season. 

"  The  Sabbath  I  spent  at  Farmington. 
Preached  and  lectured — had  an  excellent  time. 
The  Lord  helped  me.     Put  up  with  Brother 

B .    What  a  precious  spirit  is  Sister  B ! 

It  is  a  feast  to  the  soul  to  meet  with  such  a 
great,  warm  heart,  after  being  frozen  to  death 
by  coming  in  contact  witli  the  cold  wc^rld.     I 

am  now  at  Brother  B 's,  in  his  snug,  sweet 

little  study.  Have  been  disappointed  this 
week  about  my  appointments  ;  the  man  whom 
I.  depended  upon  to  give  them  out  was  not 
faithful,  so  I  have  for  the  last  two  days  rested. 
Shall,  if  the  Lord  will,  get  to  work  again  to- 
morrow. By  work,  I  mean  lecturing.  I  have 
appointments  now  for  ten  days.     I  hope  to  bo 


FAITH    AND    WOKKS.  57 

with  you  again  week  after  next.     Shall  stay 
but  a  few  days,  must  then  go  south. 

"  22d. — Yesterday  I  rode  25  miles,  visited  four 
towns,  and  gave  out  aj^pointments  for  lectures. 
Last  evening  spoke  in  this  place  to  a  large  and 
attentive  audience.  This  morning  I  have  had 
a  precious  season  in  reading  ray  Bible.  Have 
just  commenced  reading  the  prophecy  of 
Isaiah." 

"  ISTeav  ATP^E:^-s,  JVov.  29th. 
"  My  Beloved  Wife  : — Yesterday  I  received 
your  precious  letter.  It  was  heart-cheering. 
Language  cannot  express  the  joy  it  imparts  to 
get  a  communication  burning  right  from  the 
heart  of  one  so  dear  to  me.  It  imparts  new 
vificor  to  eno-ao'e  in  the  toils  and  ills  of  life. 
You  seem  to  pine  for  a'quiet  home,  where  we 
may  be  shielded  from  the  annoyances  of  the 
world,  and  sit  down  to  feast  ourselves  on  truth 
and  the  love  of  God.  At  fii-st  view,  this  would 
appear  to  be  an  innocent  desire.  But  is  it 
really  so  ?  Can  the  servants  of  God  look  for 
ease  or  quiet  in  this  world  of  wickedness  and 
revolt,  where  precious  souls,  multitudes  upon 
multitudes,  are  pressing  down  to  hell  ?  and  if 
saved  at  all,  must  be  saved  by  the  instrumen- 
tality of  their  fellow-men — and  where  systems 
of  iniquity,  great  and  wide-spread,  are  daily 


58  KDWAKT)  -WIOKD. 

inijulpliiiif^  their  millions.  In  such  circnm 
stances,  ibr  those  whose  souls  arc  lighted,  who 
have  sworn  fealty  to  t!ic  kiiiij;  of  heaven,  irirded 
on  the  armor  of  righteousness,  and  enlisted  to 
fiijlit  the  good  fiirht  of  faith,  to  turn  aside  after 
their  own  ease,  is  treason  to  God  and  man,  and 
the  incipient  desires  for  it  are  the  beginnings 
of  rebellion.  Fainting,  '  weariness  in  well  do- 
ing,' sluggishness,  are  the  besetting  sins  of  the 
Christian,  the  most  powerful  temptation  with 
which  the  devil  assaults  the  soul.  Oh  !  how 
difficult  to  serve  God  with  the  whole  heart. 
Devote  every  energy  to  his  work.  Daily  '  to 
present  our  bodies,  a  living  sacrifice.^  holy  and 
acceptable  unto  God.' 

"  Again,  under  what  circumstances  or  where 
are  we  to  expect  or  find  rest  ?  So  far  as  tem- 
poral things  are  concerned  they  cannot  be  re- 
lied on  for  a  moment.  Mutability  is  written 
upon  them  all.  We  gi'asp  them — they  are 
gone.  Every  day's  experience  admonishes  us 
of  the  instability  and  emptiness  of  worldly 
comforts.  Lovejoy  is  gone  !  But  he  has  slain 
more  in  his  death  than  in  his  life.  '  The  Lord 
reigneth,  let  the  earth  rejoice.'  '  Judgment 
shall  return  unto  righteousness^  and  the  upright 
in  heart  shall  see  it.'  Precious  promise  !  It 
is  yea  and  amen.  God  hath  declared  it,  and 
he  will  fulfill  it.     The  triumph  of  the  wicked 


FAITH    AND    WOllKS.  59 

is  short.  The  Lord  will  lift  uj3  himself  like  a 
terrible  one.  He  will  take  to  himself  his  great 
strength  and  rule. 

"I  leeture  in  this  place  (Cadiz)  to-day. 
Have  an  appointment  in  Bloomfield  for  Fri- 
day. After  that  I  must  bend  my  way  toward 
Putnam.  Shall  be  in  Cambridge,  if  the  Lord 
will,  next  Wednesday.  Ilo^je  to  see  you  to- 
morrow week.     Farewell." 

"  West  Union,  Jan.  2Qth,  1838. 
"Dear  Wife: — You  ask  wliy  I  have  not 
written  before  ?  Simply  because  when  we 
separated  I  expected,  almost  to  a'  certainty, 
that  I  should  meet  you  at  Ilipley,  and  was  not 
a  little  disappointed  in  not  doing  so.  1  was 
there  Tuesday,  and  should  have  written  imme- 
diately, but  the  '  Philanthropist'  brought  the 
intelligence  of  the  death  of  Mrs.  Colb}'.  Know- 
ino;  your  intimacv  with  her,  I  concluded  vou 
had  been  detained  about  her  dyiug-bed,  and 
would  probablj'  get  away  so  as  to  meet  me 
here,  or  wait  my  return  to  the  city.  I  got 
here  at  noon  ;  t0(jk  your  letter  from  the  office, 
saw  the  post-mark,  which  told  the  whole  story. 
I  am  glad  you  got  so  pleasantlj^  and  safely  to 
Columbus.  I  was  afraid  you  would  be  weary 
and  alone,  tossing  from  side  to  side  in  one  of 
those   old    go-carts.     Upon    the    whole,  I   am 


60  EDWARD   -NAH':!:!). 

glad  voii  are  l)ack  a<rain  at  Oberlin,  tliouirli  it 
is  painful  tor  me  to  l)e  so  loiiff  separated  from 
yoii.  Since  I  left  Cincinnati  I  have  done  a 
great  deal  of  labor,  and  have  been  very  snc- 
cessfnl  in  my  agency.  Have  obtained  35  new 
subscribers  to  the  '  Philanthropist,'  collected 
about  §120,  and  obtained  pledges  for  about  as 
much  more.  I  shall  remain  here  about  a 
week,  and  write  letters. 

"  Last  Monday  I  was  at  Augusta,  and  had  a 

sweet,  precious  visit  with  Brother  T .     He 

is  in  a  most  bappy  frame  of  mind.  The  Lord 
has  done  a  great  work  for  him — has  brought 
him  into  the  fullness  and  power  of  the  gospel. 
Ellen  was  at  home,  was  well,  and  desired  her 
love  to  you.  The  first  week  of  my  absence 
was  one  of  great  enjoyment  in  God.  I  had 
more  opportunity  for  reading  and  meditation 
than  usual,  and  my  thoughts  were  intensely 
directed  to  the  subject  of  faith.  Yiews  of  it 
were  presented  to  my  mind  altogether  more 
impressive  and  clear  than  I  ever  had  before ; 
and  a  great  variety  of  Scripture  came  before 
my  mind  with  a  clearness  and  power  never 
before  experienced.  Another  subject,  to  which 
my  mind  has  been  drawn  with  great  and  abi- 
ding interest,  is  the  lesson  that  Ciirist  taught 
his  disciples  when  he  took  a  little  child  ana 
set  him   in  their  midst.     I  believe  the  Holy 


I'Wri'II    AND    AVOKKS.  fil 

Spirit  only  can  teach  tlie  triio  meaning;  of  be- 
ing converted  and  beconiinL!;  like  a  little  cliild; 
and  I  have  the  l)ci>:innini;s  of  faith*  that  He 
will  teach  me  this  in  its  fullness,  notwithstand- 
ing my  waywardness.  Blessed  be  God,  he 
has  more  patience  than  man.  Ilis  mercy  is 
high  as  heaven.  I  do  believe  I  shall  vet  be 
led  in  the  way  everlasting,  and  bronght  into 
the  fullness  of  the  gospel — though  1  am  a  most 
dull  scholar,  •■  a  fool^  and  sloio  of  heart  to 
helieve?  " 

"Sardinia,  Feb.  Zd. 
"  It  is  just  a  week  since  I  nuiiled  my  last  to 
yon.     I  have  spent  most  of   the  intervening 

time  at  Brother  B 's.     Went  witli  him  last 

Sabbath  to  Winchester,  a  little  town  about  12 
miles  distant  Irom  West  Union.  This  plac3  is 
about  three  miles  from  one  of  the  camps. 
Yesterday  I  lectured  at  Winchester,  where 
eighteen  months  ago  they  mobbed  Brother 
Hankin  and  myself,  and  compelled  us  to  hold 
our  meeting  in  the  woods — now  no  mobbing, 
and  the  only  meeting- house  in  the  place  was 
freely  opened.     I  have  spent  most  of  the  time 

in  reading  "Greek  with  Biother  B ,  and  in 

writing  letters.  In  this  way  my  body  has 
rested,  but  my  mind  has  not  received  the  same 
refreshment  and  streno-thenino-  it  would  have 


63  EDWAKD    WEED. 

done  could  I  Lave  been  more  alone.  Oh  !  the 
blessedness  of  sweet  silencii  of  mind  and  lone- 
liness, where  none  but  God  is  present.  I  am 
more  and  more  decided  to  leave  my  agenc}'  as 
Boon  as  possible  consistent  with  the  good  of  the 
cause.  Probably  as  soon  as  April  next,  at 
least.  There  is  a  region  of  country  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Ohio  liiver,  about  40  miles  from 
Portsmouth,  occupied  with  furnaces  and  almost 
destitute  of  the  preached  gospel.  I  have  been 
urgently  requested  to  go  there  by  the  owners 
of  the  furnaces.  Tliey  offer  a  salary  of  $600,  a 
good  brick  house  and  garden  spot.  It  is  a  re- 
tired place,  where  we  might  do  good  and  get 
good.  I  feel  that  I  absolutely  need  three  or 
four  years  systematic  study  before  I  am  ready 
to  ride  as  pilot  amid  the  tempest-tossings  of 
the  moral  world.  I  expect  to  go  from  here  to 
llillsboro',  thence  to  Chilicothe." 

"  Concord,  Feb.  lUh. 
"  ITere  I  am  at  the  house  of  our  good  Brother 

G .     When  I  have  written  a  little  to  you,  I 

must  hasten  on  my  way  to  Chilicothe,  where  I 

hope  to  see  our  dear  sister  W .     I  suppose 

you  have  fine  sleii^hins:  at  O .     The  snow 

is  quite  deep  here,  and  the  weather  comfort- 
ably cold  :  at  least  so  much  so,  that  after 
riding  any  distance,  and  kissing  the  wind  all 


FAITir   AND    WOUKS.  C3 

the  way,  my  cheeks  became  beautifully  red. 
Last  week  I  labored  hard  and  successfully, 
visited  many  of  ni}'  old  friends,  and  had  a 
pleasant  time.  My  health  is  uninterruptedly 
gjuod.  I  tiiiiik  it  is  jn'obable  I  shall  go  to  New 
York   to   attend    the   anniversaries.     If  so,  I 

shall  go  by  tiie  way  of  O ,  and  be  with 

you  sooner  than  the  middle  of  April.     This 

will  be  determined  on  my  return  to  Cincinnati, 

"  \^th. — I   am    now   at   Cliilicothe.     Sister 

W has  really  done  an  immense  sight  of 

good  here.  Her  school  numbers  seventy.  The 
mobocrats  have  not  done  threatening  her  yet. 
She  desires  her  love  to  you.  Shall  I  ever  stop 
roving  and  have  a  '  quiet  home'  of  my  own, 
and  my  family  around  me  ?  This  much  I  can 
say,  '  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.'  I  am  his 
servant,  and  not  my  own.  My  success  has 
been  pretty  good  the  last  week.  I  collected 
$140,  and  got  15  or  20  new  subscribers  to  the 
'  Philanthropist.'     Tours,  with  my  whole  heart. 

"  Twenty  Mile  Sta^d,  Feh.  '2,1th. 
"  My  Drak  Wife  : — To-day  at  one  o'clock 
I  left  Cincinnati    and   got   here    about    '  sun- 
down.    But  you  ask,  which  way  are  you  go- 
ing ?     Not  to  O just   yet.     Am  on    my 

way  to  Granville.  Expect  to  spend  three  or 
four  weeks  in  Licking  County,  lecturing  and 


64  TCnWARD   AVKF.D. 

preparing  t.lie  way  for  our  anniversary.  Hope 
to  get  to  Circleville  by  Saturday.  Shall,  if 
Providence  permit,  spend  three  or  four  days 
there,  and  after  doing  my  work  in  Licking 
County,  bend  my  course  homeward.  Received 
all  your  letters  before  leaving  the  city.  The 
last  came  in  this  morning's  mail.  They  were 
like  oil  to  my  bones.  Yesterday  I  received 
letters  from  Brethren  Weld  and  Stanton,  both 
remonstrating  against  my  leaving  this  field  of 
labor.  If  I  know  my  own  heart,  I  wish  to  do 
just  right,  and  am  earnestly  seeking  of  the 
Lord  direction.  I  am  constantly  afraid  of 
seeking  my  own  ease  and  pereonal  advance- 
ment. It  is  so  easy  to  be  very  conscientious 
and  benevolent  in  seeking  our  own.  '  The 
lieart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  despe- 
rately wicked.'  Oh  !  how  true.  When  I  have 
learned  myself,  so  as  not  to  be  deceived  by 
myself,  I  shall  feel  I  have  made  great  attain- 
ments. When  in  Cinciimati  I  bought  the 
'  Memoirs  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fletcher ;'  they 
were  both  eminent  for  pietv.  Knew  what  it 
was  to  be  filled  with  the  fullness  of  the  gospel. 
I  have  been  much  profited,  and  stimulated  to 
exertion,  by  reading  the  lives  of  these  eminent 
servants  of  God. 

"  You  will   wish  to  know  what  progress  I 
am   making  in  spiritual   things.     Slow — very 


FAITtr    AND   \Vf)riKS.  65 

slow.  I  ,1111  a  (lull  scliolar,  a  wuvwnrd  cliild 
I  ftel  sometiiiies  to  ciy  out  with  tlie  Apostle, 
'  who  shall  deliver  me  from  tiie  body  of  this 
death  V  Would  that  I  could  reply  in  the  full- 
neGS  of  faith,  'I  thank  Gtid,  through  Jesus 
Christ  my  Lord.' " 


CnAPTER  YII. 

CALL   TO   MOUNT   VERNON. PASTORAL    lABORS. 

In  the  spring  of  1838  Mr.  "Weed  received  a 
call  from  the  Free  Presbyterian  Ohurcli  in 
Mount  Vernon,  Knox  Count}-,  Oliio,  to  become 
their  pastor.  Ai'ter  mature  deliberation,  wheth- 
er the  voice  of  Providence  was  manifested  in 
this  call,  he  resigned  his  anti-slavei'j  agency, 
and  entered  on  his  duties  as  past(,)r  elect  at 
Mount  Vernon,  about  the  first  oi'  May  of  that 
year,  and  in  the  November  following  was 
ordained  by  the  Central  Congregational  Asso- 
ciation of  Ohio,  and  the  same  day  installed 
]>astor  of  the  Free  Church.  With  what  spirit 
he  entered  into  this  new  field  of  labor,  and 
with  wliat  fidelity  he  continued  going  in  and 
out  before  his  people  for  four  years,  we  have 
testimony  from  various  sourcefj.  Letters  writ- 
ten soon  after  l:;s  arrival  there  express  a  deep 
sense  of  his  resj^onsibility,  and  his  entire  de- 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  67 

pendencc  upon  God  and  liis  word,  for  wisdom 
and  strength  to  go  forward. 

"  Mount  Yeknon,  May  'iOth,  1838. 

"  My  Dear  Wife  : — Abont  two  hours  since 
I  arrived  here,  after  a  tedious,  wet  journey. 
Tiie  roads  probably  have  not  been  worse  this 
spring.  Though  I  have  been  here  so  short  a 
time,  I  have  engaged  board  of  Bi'otlier  McGib- 
enj^,  unpacked  ni}'  things,  put  up  my  books, 
and  am  ready  to  go  to  work. 

"  I  took  a  violent  cold  while  on  my  journey  ; 
this  together  with  nnich  talking  and  visiting, 
has  almost  used  me  up,  I  believe  it  rained 
every  moment  while  I  w^as  on  the  road  from 
Oberlin  to  Mansfield  ;  but  notwithstanding  the 
dreariness  above  and  beneath,  I  was  enabled, 
for  the  most  part  of  the  time,  to  let  my  heart 
go  out  after  God  and  his  holiness.  On  the 
Sabbath  I  preached  at  M with  consider- 
able liberty  and  happiness.  On  Monday  at- 
tended the  monthly  concert ;  it  was  a  good, 
season.  On  Tuesday  I  went  to  the  Richland 
County  xl.  S.  Society  Anniversary.  I  was 
enabled  to  speak  with  unusual  freedom.  Last 
evening  I  lectured  at  Belleville  on  temperance. 
And  to-day  I  have  travelled  through  the  mud, 
over  the  hills  and  through  the  creeks,  to  this 


OS  •  EDWARD   WEED. 

place;  weary  and  half  sick,  I  do  not  feel  able 
to  fii)isli  this  letter. 

"  nth. — My  health  is  mnch  better  this  morn- 
in«x,  and  I  liave  had  a  ]>recions  time  in  stiKh''- 
injj^  the  Scrij)tures.  Oh  !  how  sweet  to  bury 
one's  self  up  in  the  Word  of  Life  ;  to  revel  in 
the  truth  of  God.  I  trust  the  Lord  will  ])eniiit 
me,  for  tiie  present,  to  have  much  time  for  a 
quiet,  close,  and  systematic  study  of  the  Bible. 
He  knows  full  well  that,  in  order  to  my  being 
an  efficient  and  faithful  minister  of  his,  it  is 
absolutely  necessary.  I  j'eel  that  I  am  but  a 
babe  in  Christ.  I  do,  however,  have  some 
lonjrino-s  after  the  unadulterated  milk  of  the 
Word.  I  have  commenced  reading  the  Epistles 
of  Peter,  ypeiit  all  the  forenoon  on  the  tirst 
two  chapters  of  the  first  Epistle.  Had  I  time 
and  room  I  would  transcribe  the  analysis  which 
I  have  completed  of  the  fii'st  chapter.  My 
Soul  is  filled  with  the  precious  views  which 
unfolded  themselves  to  me  as  I  went  forward 
with  the  work.  I  do  not  feel  as  though  1  had 
yet  attained  unto  the  fullness  of  the  blessing 
of  the  gospel,  but  I  think  it  is  getting  to  be 
the  temper  of  my  soul  to  follow  hard  after  it. 
I  know  I  shall  have  yQur  prayers,  and  I  trust 
those  of  that  little,  faithful  band,  who  present 
tiieir  spiritual  sacrifices  at  five  in  the  morning. 
The  stated  prayer-meeting  of  the  church  occurs 


FAn'H   AND   WOllKS.  69 

this  evening.  Two  weeks  lV<jm  next  Scab])atli 
we  wish  to  have  a  couiniuiiiDii  season.  It  will 
be  the  Sabbath  before  the  anti-slavery  anni- 
versary. We  shall  commence  onr  meetin^^  on 
Friday  night  previons.  I  wish  you  would  see 
Brother  Mahan  and  engage  him  to  come  on,  so 
as  to  be  with  us  on  that  Sabbath  and  the  Ibl- 
lowing  Monday.     Adieu." 

"  Mount  Vicrnon,  May  17 th. 

"  My  Dear  Wife  : — Brethren  Drake  and 
Gibbs  do  not  go  to  Oberlin  this  week,  as  I  ex- 
pected, but  start  early  next  Monday  morning. 
I  shall  have  but  little  time  to  write,  as  this 
afternoon  we  have  a  meeting  of  the  session, 
this  evening  a  prayer-meeting,  and  my  prepa- 
rations for  the  Sabbath  are  not  yet  fully  made. 
I  received  your  letter  with  joy,  thank  you  a 
thousand  times  for  the  deep  interest  you  mani- 
fest in  my  spiritual  welfare;  and  rejoice,  truly, 
at  the  progress  you  are  making  in  heavenly 
things.  I  would  not  have  your  love  to  God 
abated  an  iota,  at  the  same  time  I  would  have 
you  possess  grace  sufficient  to  restrain  the 
natural  ardor  of  your  temperament  from  lead- 
ing 3'ou  to  go  beyond  yom*  strengtii. 

"  You  will  be  anxious  to  know  how  I  am 
getting  along  in  my  pastctral  duties.  In  the 
tirst  place,  I  feel  like  a  little  child.     I  know 


70  EDWAKD   WEED. 

not  how  to  go  out  or  come  in  before  my  ])eo 
pie.  My  constant  ])ra\'er  is,  Lord^  Uach  me. 
On  the  Sabbath  we  liad  a  hirge  congregation, 
much  larger  in  the  afternoon  than  in  the 
morning.  The  spirit  of  the  Lo)'d  seemed  to  be 
present.  My  own  soul  was  more  than  usually 
blessed  ;  I  felt  that  you  and  that  beloved  band 
were  prajing  for  nie.  I  feel  the  need  of  your 
lielp  and  think  it  of  the  greatest  importance 
you  should  be  here.  During  the  week  I  have 
spent  my  forenoons  in  study.  The  Bible,  tJte 
£{ble,  has  received  almost  my  exclusive  atten- 
tion. I  have  had  precious  feasts  on  the  truth. 
Can  hardly  bear  to  be  turned  aside  to  write  a 
letter.  The  afternoons  I  have  devoted  to  visit- 
ing, going  from  house  to  house,  praying  with 
the  brethren  and  sisters,  and  talking  about  the 
great  salvation.  This,  too,  is  blessed  work.  I 
want  you  here  to  participate  with  me  in  it. 
Here  is  a  great  field  waving  for  the  harvest, 
with  the  help  of  God  we  can- gather  it  in.  My 
purpose  IS  to  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord.  To 
'seek  first  his  kingdom  and  righteousness.'  I 
wish  you  to  get  here,  if  possible,  by  Saturday, 
so  as  to  be  with  us  at  our  communion  season. 

"  l^th. — Last  evening  we  had  a  most  pre- 
cious prayer-meeting — a  full  attendance.  The 
Lord  was  manifestly  with  us.  Great  tender- 
ness of  feeling  was  evinced   by  the  brethren 


FArrn  and  wokks.  71 

and  sisters — many  wept,  I  am  encouraged  to 
believe  the  Lord  is  about  to  come  atnoni;^  us 
and  do  his  great  wurk.  I  have  been  much 
drawn  out  to  pray  that  his  word  may  te  with 
power.  It  is  my  prayer  that  I  may  experience 
the  very  de2)ths  of  humility.  Had  a  precious 
season  this  morning  in  preparing  for  the  pul- 
pit. I  trust  the  Lord  will  stand  by  me,  and. 
help  me  to  preach  his  truth.  Don't  fail  to  see 
that  some  ordained  minister  comes  on,  so  as  to 
be  with  us  on  the  Sabbath  and  administer  the 
sacrament.  We  shall  commence  our  meeting 
on  Friday  evening  previous,  on  Saturday  we 
shall  have  preaching  all  day.  Four  or  five 
are  to  be  added  to  the  church.  Farewell,  may 
the  Lord  be  with  and  bless  you." 

Mr.  Weed's  love  of  the  Scriptures,  from  his 
conversion  to  his  death,  was  a  living,  growing 
principle.  To  the  law  and  the  testimony  he 
carried  every  new  doctrine  or  belief  that  ar- 
rested his  attention,  assured  that  the  Holy 
Spirit  would  guide  him  into  all  truth.  This 
was  the  secret  of  his  uninterrupted,  onward, 
and  upward  course.  In  the  critical  explana- 
tion of  the  Scriptures  he  had  few  superioi*s. 
From  this  well-spring  he  drank  living  waters, 
and  from  his  own  experience  of  the  blessed  re- 
sults of  searching   the   Scriptures   he  recom- 


T2  EDWAKD    WEKD. 

mended  them  to  others.  In  a  letter  to  a  dear 
friend  he  says,  "I  am  deeply  solicitous  that 
you  should  become  thoro\ii;hly  versed  in  the 
Scriptures.  They  are  a  fountain  of  li^cl't,  the 
well  spriui;  from  which  the  Christian  must 
drink  and  live;  the  medium  through  which 
spiritual  streiijz,'th  and  holiness  are  communi- 
cated. Oh,  the  Bible!  the  Bible  !  every  day  I 
])rize  it  more  and  more.  Bead  it,  carefully 
and  prayerfully  ;  d"n't  j)ass  over  a  verse  with- 
out understandiuii;  its  true  meaning.  Neglect 
no  ])art  vt'  it,  but  remember  that  "all  Scripture 
is  jirufitable,"  iSzc.     See  2  Tim.  iii.  16. 

In  the  following  letter  to  a  dear  younger 
brother,  now  in  the  ministry,  and  who  was  at 
the  time  it  was  Avritten  pursuing  his  collegiate 
studies,  he  advises  him  to  spend,  at  least,  the 
first  hour  of  every  morning  in  a  prayerful 
study  of  the  Bible. 

"Mount  Ykrnon,  Jlat/  17th,  1838. 

"  Deak  Bkotukk  T : — Although  I  have 

but  a  few  minutes  to  si)end  in  writing,  I  can- 
not let  them  pass  without  addressing  a  few 
lines  to  you.  I  feel  the  deepest  interest  in 
your  welfare,  temporal  and  spiritual ;  and  am 
exceedingly  desirous  that  you  should  become 
an  eminent  man  of  God — one  whose  mind 
shall    be  thoroughly  disciplined,  whose   head 


FAITir   AND   WORKS.  73 

Will  be  filled  with  knowled<2;e,  and  whose  licai-t 
will  be  strengthened  AV'ith  every  i'ighte<ni8 
principle,  and  overflt)wing  with  love  to  God 
and  man.  I  desire  this,  1st,  that  God  may  be 
glorified  and  souls  saved  ;  and  2d,  that  you 
may  be  redeemed  and  receive  the  rewaid  of 
those  who  turn  many  to  righteousness,  'shining 
as  tlie  brightness  of  the  firmament,  and  as  the 
stars  for  ever  and  ever.'  I  have  not  been 
faithful  to  you  ;  have  not  labored  and  prayed 
with  you,  as  was  my  duty.  Now  let  me  say 
to  you,  if  you  obtain  the  fullness  of  salvation, 
you  must  seek  God  with  all  your  heart.  JSTot 
for  3'our  own  happiness  or  greatness,  but  to  he 
jpure^  to  he  Tioly^  to  he  like  Horn.  I  advise  yon 
to  rise  early,  and  spend,  at  least,  the  first  hour 
in  reading  the  Scriptures  and  in  prayer.  Try 
it^  you  will  find  it  will  strengthen  you  for  the 
performance  of  every  duty  of  the  day.  Spend 
the  last  hour  before  retiring  in  self-examination 
and  prayer.  Balance  the  books  of  good  and 
evil  every  night,  and  when  you  have  leisure 
write  and  tell  me  how  you  get  along." 

To  a  dear  sister,  who  was  engaged  in  teach- 
ing, he  addressed  about  the  same  time  a  letter 
of  like  faithful,  aftectionate  interest. 

"  Dear  Sister  L : — How  fast  our  days 


74  EDWAED  -WEED. 

fly !  Soon,  very  soon,  we  shall  stand  on  tlie 
Bliores  of  boundless  eternity.  I  feel  that  my 
days  are  hastening,  that  in  a  very  little  wliile 
my  account  must  be  rendered.  I  cannot  per- 
suade myself  that  all  my  influence  over  your 
mind  has  been  good.  This  causes  me  pain.  I 
have  desired  your  highest  advancement  in  all 
that  is  excellent.  I  long  to  see  you  a  woman 
who  understands  what  it  is  to  walk  with,  God. 
To  feel  a  calm  and  holy  serenity  of  mind,  to 
get  the  victory  over  mere  impulse,  to  be  gov- 
erned by  strict  principle.  God  has  opened  a 
wide  and  beautiful  path  of  usefulness  for  you 
to  walk  in.  He  has  strewed  it  with  the  rich 
flowers  of  heaven,  and  lined  it  with  the  fniit 
of  paradise.  Beware,  lest  through  weakness 
of  heart,  it  be  all  in  vain  to  you.  You  may, 
you  OUGHT,  to  walk  on  the  high  places  of  the 
eai-th.  A  price  is  put  into  your  hand  to  get 
wisdom, 

" '  0  watch,  ajid  fight,  and  pray, 
1  he  battle  ne'er  give  o'er, 
Renew  it  boldly,  every  day, 
And  help,  divine,  implore.' 

"  From  your  erring,  but  loving  brother." 

During  his  residence  among  this  people  he 
wafi  repeatedly  visited  with  afllictions.  In 
June,  1839,  that  dear  mother,  who  so  tenderly 


FAn-II   AND   WORKS.  75 

watched  his  infancy,  and  wlio  had  offered  unto 
God  so  many  ])etitions  tliat  he  mi_<>jht  become  a 
faithfid  minister  of  tlie  gospel,  was  cal]e,d  away 
from  earth-scenes  to  the  company  of  the  blessed 
in  heaven. 

About  eight  months  previous  he  had  been  to 
visit  her,  and  she  being  then  in  good  liealth 
was  permitted  to  enjoy  the  consummation  of 
her  long-cherished  hopes  of  hearing  him  preach. 
About  a  year  after  lier  deatli  his  dear  sister 
Harriet,  then  just  in  the  hopeful  morning  of 
life,  became  a  victim  of  the  fell  destroyer, 
leaving  her  fiiends  to  mourn  her  early  depart- 
ure, tiiough  they  sorrowed  not  as  those  without 
hope.  At  three  different  times  his  parental 
hopes  were  laid  in  the  dust;  and  his  wife  for 
months,  seemed  to  human  view,  to  be  hanging 
upon  the  verge  of  the  giave,  though  she  was 
afterwards  so  far  restored  to  health  as  to  be  a 
great  assistance  to  him  in  his  pastoral  duties. 
He  loved  his  friends  tenderly  ;  yet  in  all  these 
trials  lie  could  with  Christian  resignation  say, 
"The  Lord  gave  and  the  Lord  hath  taken 
away,  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord."  Let 
him  do  to  and  toith  me  and  mine  as  seemeth 
him  good. 

In  the  fall  of  1839  becoming  deeply  im- 
pressed wn'th  the  necessity  of  a  good  school  in 
town,  that  would  meet  the  circumstances  of 


16  KDWARD    WKi:i). 

tlie  daughters  of  the  farmers  in  the  surronnding 
country,  and  otliers  whose  means  were  small, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Weed  devised  a  plan  for  a  school 
"where  each  one  could  furnish  her  siiare  of  pro- 
visions, perform  her  share  of  the  necessary 
lal)(.ir,  and  have  divided  e(pially  among  the 
scholars  the  necessary  money-outlays.  This 
school  was  eventually  taken  into  their  own 
house,  directly  under  their  own  care,  they 
having  the  responsibility  of  procuring  suitable 
teachers.  And  though  it  added  mucii  to  their 
care  and  lal)or,  it  succeeded  admirably,  and 
they  botii  felt  they  were  paid  tenfold  in  the 
good  that  was  thus  accomplished.  Never  lias 
it  been  the  privilege  of  those  engaged  in  behalf 
of  education  to  witness  a  greater  thii-st  for 
knowledge,  or  more  rapid  improvement,  than 
was  manifested  by  the  young  women  that  be- 
came members  of  this  truly  domestic  boarding- 
school,  and  many  of  them  are  now  filling  sta- 
tions of  usefulness.  One  writing  from  a  mis- 
sionary station,  among  the  western  Indians,  to 
her  former  teacher,  says,  "  all  that  I  am,  or 
can  hope  to  do  among  this  interesting  people, 
under  God,  I  owe  to  you  and  that  dear 
school." 


CHAPTER  YIII. 

CALL   TO    PATERSON. TAKK8   A   TOUE   EAST. LETV 

TERS. 

In  March,  1841,  Mr.  Weed  received  an  in- 
vitation from  the  Free  Presbyterian  Church  in 
Paterson,  N.  J.,  to  visit  them  with  a  view  to 
becoming  tiieir  pastor.  About  the  first  of 
Ma\',  his  strength  being  rather  low  from  long- 
continued  labor,  he  took  a  tour  East,  partly  to 
recruit  it  and  partly  to  visit  this  new  field. 
Letters  written  to  his  family  and  friends  during 
bis  absence  from  home,  express  his  unifurm 
trust  in  God  to  direct  him  in  all  his  ways;  as 
also  his  attachment  to  his  people,  and  his  re- 
sponsibility in  reference  to  them,  and  the  pre- 
cious souls  in  the  surrounding  country  who 
might  be  reached  by  his  influence  as  a  minister 
of  the  gospel. 

"  Oberlin,  May  l%th,  1841. 
"  My  Dear  Wife  and  Sister  E : — Be 


'J^S  EDWARD   WEED. 

assured  I  think  of  3-ou  continually,  your  labors 
and  your  responsibilities;  and  my  continued 
supplication  is,  that  the  wing  of  the  Saviour's 
presence,  and  the  banner  of  his  love,  may  be 
over  you.  Tell  the  young  ladies  I  do  not  fail 
to  remember  them  with  ati'ectionate  interest  at 
the  mercy-seat.  We  found  the  roads  very  bad 
between  Yernon  and  Mansfield  ;  got  set  once, 
and  were  obliged  to  get  an  ox-team  to  draw  us 
out  of.the  mud.  I  spent  the  Sabbath  at  Mans- 
field, the  Lord  helped  me  to  preach.  Had  a 
most  precious  time.  We  had  a  quick  and 
pleasant  ride  to  this  place  on  Monday.  All 
things  apjiear  well.  The  Lord  is  here — pray 
for  tiiis  people.  We  shall  soon  be  on  our  way 
to  Cleveland.  It  is  a  beautiful,  calm  morning. 
I  expect  Brother  Ilornell  will  go  on  from  here 
to  supply  my  place.  He  is  an  excellent  bro- 
ther, and  you  cannot  but  be  happy  in  his  society. 
Be  assured  I  shall  sympathize  with  you  and 
feel  your  cares." 

"  Paterson,  June  Mh. 
"  My  Dear  Wife  : — It  is  now  four  weeks 
since  1  left  home,  and  not  a  word  have  I  heard 
from  you  and  the  dear  circle  I  left  behind.  I 
feel  the  intensest  desire  to  hear  how  m}'  dear 
charge  are  progressing.  I  have  remembered 
you  all  coutiuually  iu  niy  prayers,  and  have 


FAITU   AND   WORKS.  79 

with  the  utmost  confidence  committed  you  to 
Ilim,  the  wing  of  whose  power  and  love  is 
always  over  those  who  trust  in  Him,  I  have 
felt  to  commit  my  way  entirely  unto  Him. 
As  yet  but  little  light  has  broken  upon  my 
future  course.  What  I  shall  do  I  wot  not. 
I  preached  here  on  the  Sabbath  with  much 
freedom  and  some  unction.  The  Lord  enabled 
me  to  get  out  of  self,  and  to  sweetly  trust 
in  his  name.  Here  is  a  field  of  extended 
usefulness,  but  a  field  in  some  respects  discour- 
aging, owing  to  the  floating  character  of  the 
population.  You  know  that  a  manufacturing 
population  is  of  necessity  constantly  changing. 
As  my  feelings  now  are,  I  think  I  should  pre- 
fer our  own  Mount  Yermon^  though  my  mind 
is  wholly  undecided.  I  think  it  my  dut}^  to 
survey  the  field  fully,  and  not  decide  until  I 
have  examined  the  subject  of  change  in  all  its 
bearings. 

'"'"June  htJi. — Yesterday  afternoon  I  spent  in 
visiting,  called  on  many  devoted  Christians, 
and  was  much  refreshed.  In  the  evening  at- 
tended a  meeting  of  the  "Washington  Temper- 
ance Society.  This  is  the  name  given  to  socie- 
ties formed  by  reformed  drunkards  ;  great  in- 
terest is  felt  in  this  place  now  upon  the  subject. 
Meetings  are  held  weekly,  in  which  men  come 
forward  and  relate  their  experience.     To  say 


80  EDWARD   WEED. 

the  meeti'nrjs  are  intensely  interesting  is  but 
half  the  truth.  '  Many  liave  forsaken  their 
cups,  and  have  become  respectable  men.  Oh  ! 
how  many  families  are  filled  with  joj  and 
blessing  by  this  movement.  The  same  reform 
is  spreading  rapidly  in  the  cities  of  New  Tork, 
Boston,  Philadelphia,  and  Baltimore. 

"  Brother    II ,    I    suppose,    is    laboring 

among  our  peo})le,  doing  good  and  getting 
good.  The  Lord  reward  him  an  hundi-edfoid 
fur  his  labor  of  love.  I  suppose  jou  and  Ellen 
are  very  happy  together.  If  we  leave,  I  know 
not  what  will  become  of  that  school;  I  have 
not,  even  in  my  own  mind,  been  able  to  make 
a  satisfactory  arrangement  in  reference  to  it. 

Say  to  Brother  T I  shall  write  to  him  next 

week." 

"  Belleville,  June  *lth. 
"My  Dear  P : — I  received  your  long- 
expected  letter  this  morning  just  betbre  leav- 
ing Paterson.  It  dissipated  all  my  bad  feel- 
ings, and  greatly  refreshed  my  spirits.  I  was 
rejoiced  to  hear  that  the  Lord  had  been  with 
you  (luring  my  absence,  and  blessed  yon  in 
your  family  circle.     The  Lord  be  praised  that 

sister  B has  submitted  her  iieart  to  him. 

I  am  glad  to  k-arn  that  tiio  vouiig  ladies  are 
faithfid,   and    making   good    improvement    in 


FAITU    AND   WORKS.  81 

their  studies.  I  feci  a  deep  interest  iu  thcni 
£.11,  and  do  not  tui-get  them  in  any  of  my  pray- 
ers. It  is  a  deliglitful  thought  to  mo,  when  I 
pi'ay,  that  lie,  to  whom  my  petitions  are  ad- 
dressed, is  present,  at  the  very  moment  I  am 
speaking,  to  all  my  dear  friends,  in  great  lov- 
ing-kindness, providing  for  all  their  wants. 

"  I  am  still  undecided  as  to  what  I  shall  do. 
The  field  here  is  extensive,  and  very  much 
needs  to  be  occupied  by  the  right  sort  of  men. 
Were  it  not  for  my  connection  at  Mount  Ver- 
non, I  should  decide  at  once  to  come.  But 
when  I  think  of  the  dear  people  there,  and  in 
the  region  around,  the  responsibility  of  my 
circumstances  presses  .upon  me*  and  my  mind 
falters  as  to  duty.  I  feel  that  I  am  entirely 
free  from  selfish  considerations  in  reference  to 
this  matter.  It  is  my  earnest  desire  and  ex- 
pectation to  be  directed  by  the  Lord.  Dear  sis- 
ter E ,  I  am  glad  the  Lord  is  blessing  your 

labors  this  summer,  and  giving  you  a  pleasant 
school.  My  tears  flowed  freely  when  I  read 
how  the  Lord  was  blessing  our  dear  family 
circle.  Look  to  Him,  he  will  regard  the  cry 
of  his  little  ones,  and  bless  you  abundantly. 

Give  my  best  love  to  Brother  H .     I  trust 

his  labors  are  blessed,  and  lie  is  gaining  favor 
among  the  people." 


82  EDWAKU    WEED. 

"  Patekson,  June  29^A. 

"  Tour  last  letter  came  to  hand  last  evening. 
It  was  exceed in«jjly  pleasant  to  iiear  once  more 
from  my  dear  wife,  our  large  family  circle, 
and  the  dear  people  of  my  charge.  Some  of 
your  letters  have  been  very  dilatory,  and  I 
perceive  you  have  not  received  my  last.  If, 
when  I  get  home,  it  is  decided  I  deserve  a 
scolding,  I  will  pull  oif  my  coat,  sit  down,  and 
take  it  patiently.  If,  after  due  examination, 
you  are  found  the  defaulter,  you  will  have  to 
scold  yourself,  for  I  am  sure  I  shall  be  so  glad 
to  see  you  I  shall  be  entirely  unqualified  for 
such  a  work.  So  you  see  you  will  have  to  be 
executioner  in  either  case. 

"  I  had  a  very  interesting  visit  at  Stamford. 
Found  father  well.  Preached  on  the  Sabbath 
to  crowded  congregations,  one-half  of  whom 
were  my  own  kindred,  and  who,  of  course, 
heard  with  great  interest.  Next  week  (D.  V.) 
I  expect  to  start  on  my  return  journey.  Father 
will  go  with  me  as  far  as  Carthage  and  Water- 
town.  I  hope  to  be  home  so  as  to  preach  on 
the  third  Sabbath  in  July.  To  do  so,  I  shall 
have  to  be  very  industrious.  I  shall  probably 
not  hear  from  you  again  by  letter,  but  hope 
soon  to  see  you  face  to  face.     Farewell." 

"  Dear  Sisteb  E : — I  thank  you  a  hun- 


FAITH    AM)   WOKKS.  83 

dred  times  for  your  short  and  affectionate  epis- 
tles to  me  during  my  absence.  'Tlie  friend- 
ship of  kindred  minds  is  like  to  that  above.'  I 
have  felt  a  deep  solicitude  for  you  and  your 
charge,  and  have  been  eiiabled  to  commend 
you  continually  to  the  spec;ial  care  of  our 
•  Heavenly  Father.  Since  I  have  been  here  I 
have  been  making  a  choice  collection  of  min- 
erals for  the  school,  and  shall  also  bring  with 
me  some  beautifid  shells.  I  have  been  think- 
ing over  the  matter  as  to  the  disposal  of  our 

school,  and  have  written  to  sister  M that 

I  think  she  is  the  one  to  take  charge  of  it. 
Say  to  the  young  ladies  that  I  remember  them 
in  all  my  rambles,  and  do  not  cease  to  feel  an 
interest  in  the  individual- Nveltare  of  each  of 
them.  I  trust  they  are  all  striving  for  con- 
tinued improvement,  have  set  their  standard 
high,  and  are  diligently  pressing  towards  it. 
I  would  write  them  a  separate  epistle  could  I 
command  the  time." 

"  Dear  Brother  ITornelx,  : — I  cannot  ex- 
press to  you  the  gratitude  I  feel  for  your  labors 
of  love  among  my  dear  people.  The  Great 
Head  of  the  Church  will,  undoubtedly,  reward 
you — abundantly  reward  you.  "What  an  ex- 
cellent service  is  His  !  How  rich  the  reward  ! 
How  promptly  paid  !     I  presume  you    daily 


84  EDWAED   WEED. 

feast  on  the  biUKjuet  of  love !  I  appreciate  tlio 
ditKculties  under  ^vlucll  any  one  must  labor 
who  is  only  sn])plying  the  place  of  pastor  for  a 
short  season.  1  know  that  in  many  respects  it 
must  be  a  trying  situation.  But  our  compas- 
sionate High  ^^riest  understands  all  these 
things,  and  we  may  rest  like  a  weaned  child 
on  his  bosom.  I  thank  you,  again  and  again, 
for  giving  me  the  present  state  of  the  people. 
It  was  just  what  I  wanted  to  hear.  My  return 
will  not  be  delayed  longer  than  Providence 
seems  to  indicate  it  to  be  necessary.  Be  as- 
sured I  remember  you  in  all  my  prayers. 

"  P.  S.  My  mind,  respecting  a  change  in 
my  field  of  labor,  is  the  same  as  when  I  last 
wrote." 

Mr.  "Weed  returned  to  his  people,  as  he  anti- 
cipated, and  remained  until  spring.  The  fol- 
lowing letters  were  written  to  friends  after  his 
return. 

"  Mount  Ykknon,  Oct.  19th. 

"Deak  Brother  P- : — Perhaps,  by  this 

time,  y(^u  are  saying,  Brother  AV^eod  has  for- 
gotten me.  It  is  not  so.  A  day  does  not  pass 
without  my  recalling  you  to  mind.  I  cannot 
say,  however,  that  I  remember  you  alioays  in 
my  prayers  ;  but  I  do  frequently.     I  have  a 


FAITH    AND    WOliKH.  8l5 

great  deal  to  say  to  you,  but  have  taken  a  half 
sheet  lest  I  should  say  too  much.  I  rejoice  to 
hear  that  the  Lord  is  blessing  your  labors  at 
Cantuu.  Tiie  path  of  duty  is  tlie  path  oi"  ])eace 
and  success.  You  are  already  aware  that 
I  took  a  tour  East  last  spring.  My  health 
seemed  to  demand  it.  Travel,  change  of  cli- 
mate, and  circumstances  seemed  to  invigorate 
me;  my  health  gradually  improved,  and  now 
I  feel  quite  restored.  Since  I  saw  you,  the 
Lord  has  dealt  bountifully  with  my  soul,  and 
led  me  on  in  the  way  of  salvation.  While 
East,  he  kept  me  almost  constantly  in  a  state 
of  peace,  and  enabled  me  to  j^reach  without 
the  fear  of  man,  or  love  for  his  applause  before 
my  eyes.  Since  my  return  the  Lord  has  en- 
abled me  to  preach  with  nioi-e  unction  and 
effect  than  hitherto.  Our  people  are  begin- 
ning to  feel  that  they  must  be  lioly.  I  have 
recently  preached  nine  sermons  on  the  subject 
of  sanctitication.  As  far  as  I  know,  nearly  all 
my  church  have  acquiesced  in  the  view  of  the 
subject  presented.  We  are  expecting  to  com- 
mence a  protracted  meeting  next  Sabbath. 
Professor  M and  Father  K are  ex- 
pected to  conduct  it.  Will  you  and  your 
church  pray  for  us?  We  liad  a  very  inter- 
esting meeting  of  Association  at  Hartford. 
Brethren  Brown  and  Dresser  were  ordained. 


S6  EDVVAltU   -VVJiEJJ. 

Brother  Brown  is  settled  over  the  church  at 

II ;     Brother    M has    removed    to 

O ;    and  Brotlier  Cmnmini;"s  is  expected 

every  day  tu  Uike  his  station  at  Fredericktuwn. 
I  am  i^hid  vuii  have  Brother  Ilussell  as  a  co- 
worker  at    Alassilon.      Much    love    to   Sister 

P .     Wife  is  not  well.     AVrite  and  let  me 

know  how  you  are  prospering." 

"  Mount  Yernon,  Dec.  27th. 

"  Dear  Brother  B : — Your  letter  was 

duly  received,  and  I  am  heartily  sorry  it  is  out 
of  my  power  to  comply  with  your  re(|uest. 
The  ill-health  of  Mrs.  Weed  will  prevent  my 
leaving  home  for  any  length  of  time.  She  has 
been  confined  to  her  room  eleven  weeks,  and 
is  not  able  to  sit  up  at  present.  I  do  hope  to 
be  able  to  visit  you  before  going  East.  I  iiave 
a  strung  desire  to  preach  the  gospel  at  Balti- 
more, but  whether  the  Lord  will  permit  me  to 
do  so  I  cannot  tell.  Love  -to  your  wife  and 
daughter." 

"  Mount  Yernon,  Feh.,  1842. 

"  Dear  Brother  B : — Your  kind  letter 

ought  to  have  been  answered  ere  this.  But  it 
found  me  in  peculiar  circumstances.  My  fam- 
ily sick  and  helpless  ;  myself  engaged  in  a 
colonization  and  abolition  discussion  wuth  Kev. 


I 


FAITH   AND    WOliKd.  87 

Mr.   "W" ,    of  Muskingum    County,    wliicb 

closed  last  evening.  Every  position  he  took 
was  entirely  southern.  Our  meetings  were 
held  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  cliurcli.  Wo 
discussed  the  subject  eight  evenings  and  one 
afternoon.  The  friends  of  the  anti-slavery 
cause  feel  that  a  good  impression  has  been 
made.  Some  have  been  converted  and  others 
convicted.  Everybody  is  discussing  it.  Kow 
about  holding  a  protracted  meeting  in  your 
place,  I  desire  very  much  to  comply  with  your 
request,  but  at  present  my  way  is  hedged  up. 
Mrs.  Weed  is  in  a  perfectly  helpless  state; 
has  been  confined  now  for  four  mouths ;  until 
she  is  better -I  cannot  leave  her.  It  would 
afford  me  great  satisfaction  to  spend  a  few 
weeks  in  your  place,  and  I  am  determined  to 
do  80,  if  Providence  permit." 


CHAPTER  IX. 

LEAVES   MOUNT   VERNON   AND   GOES   TO   PATEKSON. 
LEITERS. 

Afi'er  Mr.  "Weed's  return  from  his  eastern 
tour  a  correspondence  was  continued  between 
liini  and  the  Patersou  church,  which  resulted 
in  his  leaving  Mount  Vernon  and  removing 
to  Patersou  in  May,  1842. 

His  labors  as  a  ])astor  had  been  f  erj  ac- 
ceptable to  his  church  and  congregation,  and 
they  consented  to  his  removal  from  them  at 
his  own  re(juest  and  because  he  believed,  all 
things  considered,  he  might  be  more  useful  in 
an  eastern  location,  while  the  work  among 
them  might  be  equally  well  or  better  acccom- 
])lished  by  his  successor.  The  following  tes- 
timony of  his  people,  when  he  left  them,  was 
not  only  placed  upon  the  church  records,  but 
was  engraven  with  affectionate  remembrance 
upon  many  hearts : 

''  It  has  pleased  Almighty  God  to  call  from 


FAITH    AUD   WORKS.  89 

among  us  our  beloved  pastor,  llcv.  Edward 
Weed,  to  labor  in  another  part  of  Lis  vine- 
yard, lie  has,  for  the  space  of  four  years, 
i:;one  in  and  out  among  us;  breaking  unto  us 
the  bread  of  life,  and  leeding  us  with  the  pure 
manna  from  heaven.  His  labors  of  love 
among  us  have  been  greatly  blessed  of  our 
Heavenly  Father.  Unto  many  of  us  who  had 
hitherto  sat  in  darkness,  a  great  light  has 
sprung  up  ;  so  that,  having  once  been  blind, 
we  now  see  ;  having  been  deaf,  we  now  hear  ; 
liaving  been  dumb,  we  now  speak  ;  and  liaving 
been  without  hope,  tlirougii  our  J^ord  Jesus 
Christ,  we  now  have  in  him  the  hope  of  ever- 
lasting life.  During  tlie  four  years  he  has 
labored  among  us,  he  lias  not  only  been  in- 
strumental in  building  up  this  church,  by  the 
addition  of  about  one  hiuulretl  and  thirty 
members,  but  luis  also  been  tiie  means,  under 
God,  of  forming  two  other  churches,  one  at 
Fredericktown,  and  one  in  Liberty  township, 
which  churches  are  now  jointly  supporting  a 
minister.  We  commend  him  to  the  favor  and 
love  of  God's  people  everywhere  ;  and  where- 
soever he  may  be  called  to  labor  in  Christ's 
vineyard,  our  prayers  shall  accompany  him. 
And,  until  we  shall  all  be  assembled  before 
the  bar  of  God,  to  be  judged  of  Ilim  whose 
will  is  supreme  and  whose  judgment  is  im- 


90  EDWAKD   AVEED. 

mutable,  we  commend  liim  to  the  grace  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

His  successor,  Eev.  M.  E.  Stricley,  writes 
of  him : 

"  Brother  Weed's  pastoral  labors  will  long 
be  remembered  by  the  church,  and  will  not 
soon  be  forgotten  by  many  who  never  united 
with  the  church.  His  labor  in  the  care  and 
instruction  of  the  converts,  is  abundantly 
manifest  in  the  numerous  lectures,  Bible- 
classes,  and  special  prayer-meetings  he  insti- 
tuted. The  exertions  of  this  faithful  brother 
are  seen  to  have  been  extended  to  other 
places  than  Mou)it  Vernon.  Scarcely  a  village 
is  to  be  found  in  our  vicinity  where  he  has 
not  been  engaged  in  labors  of  love,  and  in  all 
these  places  he  is  still  remembered  with 
warm  afiection. 

"  The  Anti-slavery  cause  owes  much  of  its 
success  in  this  county  to  his  untiring  exertions. 
Nor  in  this  town  is  his  influence  to  be  measured 
simply  by  his  preaching.  It  is  felt  in  the 
schools  he  established,  in  the  Temperance  and 
Anti-slavery  lectures  he  gave,  and  above  all, 
in  the  genial,  sunny  and  sanctifying  power  of 
his  life  and  deportment,  as  a  man,  a  Christian, 
and  a  minister." 

Mr.  Weed,  called,  as  he  believed,  by  the 
providence  of  God,  thus  left  one  church,  in 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  91 

whose  hearts  he  was  cherished  with  atFection- 
*  ate  remembrance,  and  toward  wliom  liis 
thoughts  ever  turned  until  life  ceased  to  flow, 
with  the  interest  of  a  father  toward  the  child- 
ren of  his  love,  to  find  his  home  with  another 
people,  who  received  him  with  the  greatest 
unanimity  and  confidence. 

The  precarious  state  in  which  Mrs.  "Weed's 
health  had  been  for  some  months  rendered 
their  journey  one  that  was  anticipated  with 
some  anxiety ;  but  his  letters  record  only 
mercies  and  thanksgiving. 

"  Mexico,  May  1th,  1842: 
"  Dear  Brother  : — We  got  to  Cleveland  in. 
good  season  and  in  perfect  safety.  Found  a 
boat  in  port  ready  to  go  out  in  a  few  hours. 
We  had  the  stage  drive  down  and  land  us  on 
board.  We  arrived  at  Buffalo  the  next  day, 
about  four  P.  M.  Stayed  at  the  Mansion 
House  over  night,  and  the  next  morning  at 
nine  o'clock  took  the  cars  for  Niagara.  Ar- 
rived there  about  eleven,  and  found  another 
train  waiting  to  take  us  to  Lewiston,  where 
was  the  steamer  St.  Lawrence  ready  to  start 
for  Oswef^o  precisely  at  twelve.  At  the  ap- 
pointed time  we  found  ourselves  on  board, 
and  soon  the  noble  steamer  was  proudly  and 
Bwiftly  moving  on  its  way.      The  next  morn- 


92  EDWARD   WEED. 

iiig,  at  three  o'clock,  we  were  safely  landed  at 
Oswego,  and  at  lialt'-past  live  we  took  stage, 
and  at  eight  we  arrived  at  Father  Mathew's, 
amid  the  greetings  of  friends,  tears  of  joy  and 
"rratitnde.  Our  whole  journcv  was  exceed- 
ingly  pro!^perous,  and  with  tlie  exception  of 
one  day,  the  weather  delightful.  "I  expect  to 
leave  here  Monday  morning  early  for  New 
York." 

While  Mr.  Weed  went  on  to  Taterson  to 
engage  in  his  duties  there,  Mrs.  Weed  re- 
mained for  a  few  months  at  her  father's,  hoping 
by  change  of  air,  quiet,  and  relief,  for  a  sea- 
son, from  the  responsibilities  of  her  station, 
her  wasted  strength  might  be  in  a  measure 
restored,  and  some  three   months  intervened 

before   she    joined    her    husband   at  P . 

His  letters  in  the  meantime  give  us  a  history 
of  his  early  labors  in  P . 

"  Paterson,  May  27 th. 

"  Dear   Brothers  T and    C ,  and 

SrsTER  h : — 1  have  just  received  letters 

from  Phebe  and  Father.      P writes  me 

that  her  limb  is  still  swollen  and  the  joint  stiff; 
in  this  respect  she  is  no  better.  She,  with 
J ,  are  at  Mexicoville,  happy  and  content- 
ed.    Father  writes  that  he  is  well.    The  people 


FAITir   AND   WORKS.  93 

here  received  me  witli  great  liarmony  and 
affection.  1  have  preached  for  tlieni  twoSab- 
batlis.  Our  congregations  are  good  ;  with 
the  help  of  God  1  liope  to  he  useful.  They 
have  hired  for  nie  a  very  })]easant  liouse, 
located  convenient  to  the  church.  Let  me 
say  to  you  all,  Study  yourselves,  seek  to  know 
Got!.  Leain  to  deny  self.  If  you  would  do 
good,  be  approved  of  God  and  tilled  with 
peace ;  you  must  learn  to  bring  your  souls  in 
full  subjection  to  the  truth.  "Watch  and  pray, 
and  may  the  Lord  bless  you  all." 

«  May  ^Oth. 

"My  Dear  Wife: — ^Your  well-lilled  but 
dilatory  letter  reached  me  last  Fiiday.  That 
its  perusal  gratified  me  exceedingly,  I  need 
not  say.  1  began  to  be  a  little  impatient  be- 
fore its  arrival,  notwithstanding  my  strong 
resolutions  to  the  contrary.  I  am  really  happy 
in  knowing  that  you  have  such  kind  attention, 
and  that  everything  moves  forward  so  sweetly, 
but  am  sorry  to  learn  that  yom-  limb  dues  not 
improve.  I  have  not  yet  consulted  any  phy- 
sician, but  will  before  I  close  this  letter. 
Here  I  am  in  my  own  room.  I  like  our  house 
and  its  location  better  and  better. 

"  316'^. — I  have  visited  some  to-day,  attended 
a  funeral,  and  this  evening  preached  a  pre- 


1)4  EDWARD   WEED. 

paratory  lecture.  Our  communion  season 
occurs  the  first  SaLLatli  of  every  month. 
!Next  Sabbath  is  the  time  for  it.  I  think  you 
will  like  this  peojjle.  Here  I  am  all  alone 
in  this  large  house.  Don't  you  pity  me? 
"Well,  I  am  contented  and  happy. 

'■'■June  Qth. — Another  Sabbath  has  passed. 
It  was  our  communion  season,  and  a  precious 
day  to  m}^  soul.  Tliere  are  some  praying 
brethren  and  sisters  in  this  cliurch.  It  is  a 
trying  time  with  them  now  ;  many  of  them 
are  entirely  out  of  work,  money  scarce,  and 
prospects  gloomy.  But  the  Lord  reigns,  and 
I  believe  he  has  much  people  yet  in  this  place 
to  be  brought  into  his  kingdom.  My  visit  to 
Boston  was  very  agreeable,  with  one  abate- 
ment, I  was  not  able  to  get  about  much,  1  was 
so  lame.  Brethren  Cochrane,  Parsons  and 
Cole  were  my  companions  on  my  journey.  I 
saw  Brother  Russel  and  his  wife,  and  Brother 
Stanton.  Had  a  sweet  and  precious  interview 
with  them.     I  conferred  this   morning  witli 

Dr.  B ,  of  this  place,  in  reference  to  your 

case.  He  advises  blistering,  provided  your 
general  health  is  good. 

"  June  l^th. 
"  Since  we  parted  I  have  often  wished  to 
see   you,  but  never  more  than  to-day.      The 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  95 

Lord  bas  greatly  blessed  me,  and  assisted 
me  in  preaching  his  word.  He  has  been 
visibly  manifest  in  our  assemblies.  The 
tboiiglitful,  solemn  countenance,  the  strict  at- 
tention and  tearliilr  eye,  all  have  testified  to 
bis  felt  presence.  O,  bow  blessed  the  privi- 
lege, to  preach  the  gospel !  My  soul  feeds 
upon  the  truth,  and  delights  itself  in  God.  I 
begin  to  understand  David  when  he  said, 
"  IIow  love  I  thy  law  :  it  is  my  meditation  all 
the  day."  Still  it  seems  to  me  I  have  only 
been  eating  a  few  of  the  crumbs  of  my  mas- 
ter's table ;  but,  if  the  crumbs  are  so  sweet, 
how  delightful  will  be  the  full  spread  board ! 
How  much  good  it  would  have  done  me  to 
have  partaken  of  the  heavenly  manna  to-day 
with  you.  It  is  now  ten,  P.  M.  I  have 
attended  one  funeral,  preached  three  times, 
addressed  the  colored  Sabbath-school,  at- 
tended the  evening  prayer-meeting,  and  feel 
this  moment  as  vigorous  as  when  I  awoke  this 
morning.  "They  that  wait  upon  the  Lord 
shall  renew  their  strength.  They  shall  mount 
up  with  wings  as  eagles;  they  shall  run  and 
not  be  weary,  walk  and  not  faint."  My 
health  and  appetite  are  good.  As  I  came 
home  from  my  third  meeting,  and  arose  fi'oni 
kneeling  in  thanksgiving  to  God,  I  looked 
around  upon  my  empty  house,  and  felt  that  I 


96  ,  EDWARD   WEED. 

could  not  pillow  my  head  until  I  had  given 
vent  to  nij  feelings  in  a  few  lines  to  you. 
Perhaps  I  have  thought  of  y<»u  more  to-day, 
on  account  of  a  dream  which  I  had  last  night. 
I  thought,  with  my  consent,  you  had  married 
another.  When  I  went  to  speak  to  yon  after 
the  ceremony  you  was  so  agitated  you  could  not 
answer  me.  All  at  once,  the  extent  of  my  loss 
hurst  u})on  me.  I  saw  you  doomed  to  spend 
the  remainder  of  your  days  in  misery,  and  I 
to  he  desolate.  My  distress  was  so  great  I 
awoke.  The  soft  light  of  a  heautiful  Sahhath 
morning  was  pouring  its  rays  through  my 
"window  ;  how  my  heart  leaped  to  find  that  it 
was  a  dream  !  I3ut  I  thought  it  was  to  remind 
me  that  I  was  mariied  to  my  Savi(Mir,  and  I 
must  beware  how  I  wedded  him  to  others,  and 
forgot  my  own  espousals. 

"  ISth. — This  morning  I  awoke  early,  put 
my  room  in  order,  and  have  worked  al)Out  an 
houi-  in  my  garden.  I  feel  very  well  after  the 
labors  of  yesterday.  I  am  becoming  more 
and  more  interested  in  our  congregation. 
Iliere  are  many  choice  spirits  among  the 
sisters  of  the  church.  It  would  do  you  good 
to  hear  them  pray  in  our  conference  and 
prayer-meetings.  It  rests  my  bod}'^  and  re- 
freshes mj  soul  to  go  into  our  prayer-meetings. 
Yesterday  was  a  precious  day  to  all  our  people. 


FAirn   AND   WORKS.  97 

It  is,  liowever,  a  time  of  severe  trial.  So  many 
of  the  factories  are  stopped  on  account  of  tho 
money  pressure  that  hundreds  who  depended 
upon  thfir  daily  lal)or  for  bread  are  thrown  out 
of  employment.  Pinching  want  stares  them 
in  the  face.  I  have  been  thinking  the  Lord 
lias  sent  us  here  to  teacli  us  to  sympathize  more 
fully  with  the  sorrows  of  our  fellow  men,  to 
teach  us  to  "  weep  with  those  that  weep." 
We  had  a  precious  meeting  of  ministering 
brethren  at  Newark  last  week.  We  have 
decided  to  have  a  meeting  of  the  kind  every 
month,  also  a  conference  of  the  churches. 
Sister  P desires  love  to  you.  Remem- 
ber my  love  to  father,  mother,  and  other 
m.embers  of  the  family.  I  was  much  refreslied 
by  your  last  letter.  Here  I  have  been  for  the 
last  six  weeks  living  alone,  with  the  exception 
of  taking  my  meals  abroad ;  but  you  know 
when  I  am  with  my  books  and  about  my 
duty  I  am  at  home  and  happy." 

"Pateeson,  July  V^th. 
"  Last  week  was  a  season  of  deep  interest 
to  me.  We  had  a  series  of  meetings  in 
New  York,  at  which  some  nine  or  ten  other 
ministers  were  present,  who  harmonized  in 
our  views  of  sanctiiication,  and  seemed  to 
be  full  of  the  spirit. 


98  EDWAKD   WEED. 

"  On  Wednesday  we  had  a  very  interesting 
church  conference  meeting,  in  Br.  C.'s  church. 
The  object  of  this  meeting  was  for  brethren 
and  sisters  of  ditierent  churches,  to  meet  to- 
gether, and  exchange  views  and  feelings,  for 
the  purpose  of  promoting  personal  holiness. 
A  spirit  of  freedom  prevailed,  and  the  pre- 
sence of  the  Lord  was  very  manifest.  Most 
of  the  time  was  occupied  in  the  relation  of 
personal  experience.  Some  were  very  instruc- 
tive. You  would  have  enjoyed  the  meeting 
greatly.  "We  shall  have  (D.  Y.)  one  at  Newark, 
the  second  day  of  August,  and  intend  to  keep 
them  up  monthly,  going  around  from  one 
church  to  another.  Friday  I  came  home. 
Yesterday  was  my  birth-day :  it  was  the  bless- 
ed Sabbath.  If  I  live  to  three  score  years  and 
ten — half  of  my  life  is  spent — but  there  is  very 
little  probability  that  I  shall  live  to  that  age. 
How  short  our  time  ;  how  rapidly  are  we 
hastening  to  the  judgment.  What  need  we 
have  to  do  with  our  might,  what  our  hands 
tiiid  to  do.  The  Lord  helped  me  to  preach 
yesterday.  His  word  was  w'ith  some  power. 
Three  or  four  in  the  evening  arose  to  be 
prayed  for.  I  think  the  churches  are  coming 
up,  though  it  is  a  very  unfavorable  season  of 
the  year.  The  days  are  excessively  hot,  and 
every  body  very  languid ;  I  have  hardly  energy 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  99 

enough  to  hold  my  pen.  Write  me  imme- 
diately on  the  reception  of  this,  and  let  mo 
know  when  you  will  be  in  New  York.  The 
Lord  willing,  I  will  meet  you  there." 

"  2dt/i. — I  received  your  letter  this  morning. 
It  made  me  both  glad  and  sorry^ — glad  that 
you  are  happy  in  the  midst  of  your  dear  rela- 
tives, and  sorry  that  I  am  to  be  disappointed 
about  your  coming  on  next  week.  When  you 
come,  I  think  you  had  better  take  the  cars  at 
S.,  and  if  the  Lord  will,  I  will  meet  you  at  the 
depot  in  Albany.  I  can  meet  you  there  with- 
out spending,  much  time  or  money,  both  of 
which,  in  these  days,  are  very  precious.  If 
you  make  any  different  arrangement,  you. 
must  let  me  know.     Give  my  warmest  love 

to  O ,  P ,  and  S and  his  wife.     I 

should  love  to  see  them  dearly,  had  I  time  and 
money  to  spare.  There  is  no  chance  here  for 
J to  go  to  school  ;  perhaps  slie  had  bet- 
ter go  to  Oberlin  with  8 .     Do  however 

about  it  just  as  you  think  best :  we  can  teach 
her  as  we  have  done." 

As  was  anticipated,  Mrs.  Weed  met  her 
husband  at  Albany,  Aug.  9th,  and  was  intro- 
duced by  him  to  their  new  charge.  We  have 
her  description  of  her  arrival  at  Paterson,  in 
a  letter  written  to  her  parents  soon  after,  an 


100  EDWARD   WEED. 

extract  of  wliicli  will  be  not  inappropriately 
inserted  here : 

"  Paterson,  Aifg.  IGth,  1842. 
"Dear,  dear  Parents,  Brothers  and  Sis- 
ters:— I  know  that  you  will  rejoice  to  hear 
that  I  have  arrived  safe  at  Paterson.  The 
goodness  and  mercy  of  a  covenant-keeping 
God  was  all  around  my  pathway.  I  met  my 
dear  husband,  according  to  agreement,  at  Al- 
bany— a  happy  meeting,  I  can  assure  you. 
Wednesday  morning,  wq  took  breakfast  with 

E 's  cousin,  in  New  York  ;  that  day  we 

went  over  to  N ,  saw  Brother  and  Sister 

P ,  and  attended  one  of  those  experience 

meetings  you  have  heard  husband  speak  of. 
It  was  a  most  excellent  meeting.  On  Thurs- 
day we  came  to  B ,  and  spent  the  night 

with  Brother  W and  family.     Thursday 

morning  we  came  to  Paterson — arrived  about 
two  o'clock  P.  M. — found  our  house  all  fitted 
up  for  our  reception ;  dinner  on  our  own 
table  waiting  for  us,  and  some  of  the  friends 
ready  to  greet  us.  AVe  ate  dinner,  and  then  the 
sisters  took  me  all  over  the  house,  and  showed 
me  what  they  had  done  for  me.  My  heart 
melted  and  became  liquid  as  water,  in  view  of 
it  all.  We  had  a  little  visit  together,  and  then 
we  knelt  and  consecrated  ourselves,  our  house, 


FAIXn   AND   WORKS.  101 

ana  all  to  tlic  Lord.  Soon  tlie  friends  went 
away,  and  we  were  left  alone  in  our  new  abode. 
Oil,  to  enjoy  God  in  all  these  things  !  I  think  I 
do  in  some  degree.  I  begin  to  love  the  dear 
people  very  mncli  ;  they  seem  very  warm- 
hearted and  afl'ectionate.  I  do  not  know  how 
many  times  I  have  been  greeted  with  a  kiss, 
and  '  You  are  welcome  to  Paterson,  Sister 
Weed. '  Yet,  I  cannot  say  that  I  love  them  as 
well  as  I  did  the  people  atMt.Yernon,  though 
I  think  I  shall  w^hen  I  get  acquainted  with 
them  as  well.  I  thank  you  a  thousand  times 
for  all  3^our  kind  care  of  me  while  I  was  with 
you.  If  you  will  come  and  see  me,  and  stay 
as  long,  I  will  try  to  return  it  in  some  measure 
to  you. 

"  Your  affectionate  daughter  and  sister, 

"Phebe." 


CHAPTER  X. 

UNITES   TOE   LABORS    OF   AN    EVANGELIST   WITH 
THAT   OF    PASTOR. 

Mr.  "Wekd  did  not  confine  bis  labors  to  bis 
own  cburcli,  but  was  often  invited,  and  fre- 
quently engaged,  in  protracted  meetings  in 
otber  cburcbes  ;  tbus  adding  to  bis  labors  as  a 
pastor  tbose  of  an  evangelist.  He  also  labored 
in  behalf  of  anti  slavery,  temperance,  and  otber 
reforms,  delivering  lectures,  forming  societies, 
and  writing  articles  for  papers.  Ilis  letters,  at 
tbis  date,  speak  of  bis  unremitting  toil,  in  be- 
half of  truth  and  righteousness,  as  "  blessed 
work,"  on  which  his  heart  was  set,  and  in 
which  he  engaged  with  soul-absorbing  interest. 

"  Paterson,  Sq)t  eth,  1842. 
"Dear  Brother: — Your  kind  letter  came 
to  hand  a  few  days  since.     I  was  rejoiced  to 
get  it,  for  I  had  been  able  to  frame  no  reason, 


FArni   AND  WOEKS.  103 

satisfactory  to  my  own  mind,  for  your  three 
months'  silence ;  especially  in  view  of  your 
earnest  request  at  our  parting  for  a  frequent 
correspondence,  and  the  promptness  and  length 
with  which  I  had  written. 

"As  to  Paterson,  I  like  ray  situation  well, 
though  it  is  not  free  from  difficulties.  The 
people  are  very  afiectionate  and  kind,  and 
seem  to  be  much  attached  to  us.  Our  congre- 
gation is  increasingl}'^  large  and  attentive. 
Some  are  inquiring  what  they  shall  do  to  be 
saved.  Our  Sabbath-school  is  ver}^  interesting, 
the  number  usually  in  attendance  is  about 
200.  Our  other  meetings  are  well  attended. 
There  is  no  active  opposition  against  us,  but 
our  people  are  poor,  and  the  times  are  exceed- 
ingly hard ;  besides,  the  church  are  deeply  in 
debt  for  thefr  house  of  worship.  But,  with 
the  blessing  of  God,  we  hope  to  surmount  all 
these  obstacles.  I  am  just  beginning  to  get 
acquainted  in  the  region  around.  The  Lord 
has  helped  me  to  preach,  and  enabled  me  to 
advance  somewhat  in  the  knowledge  of  his 
truth  and  in  subduing  self.  We  have  a  house 
very  pleasantly  located  on  Main  street,  about 
fifty  rods  irom  our  church.  Though  I  arrived 
here  late,  I  put  in  seeds,  and  have  now  a  fine 
garden. 

"  Oct.  Sd. — Since  1  last  wrote  you  I  have 


lOi  EDWARD  WEED. 

been  to  Xorth  Stamford,  Conn.,  and  spent  two 
weeks,  holding  a  protracted  meeting  with  great 
success.  The  Lord  has  poured  out  his  Spirit  in 
great  j^ower.  Tiie  whole  region  is  moved. 
Their  meeting-house  is  filled  every  night  to 
overflowing.  Last  Friday  evening,  after  ser- 
mon,   over    a    hundred    came    forward    to    be 

prayed  for.     I    left  P and   J there, 

and  came  home  on  Saturday  to  i)reach  on  the 
Sabbath  for  my  own  peo])le.  I  expect  to  re- 
turn there  again  to-day.  I  cannot  describe  to 
you  my  feelings  as  I  stand  there  and  preach 
the  everlasting  gospel  to  my  kindred,  amid  tiie 
graves  of  my  ancestors.  The  trutli  takes  hold 
with  wonderful  power.  The  church  had  al- 
most run  down.  I  was  told  that  the  Sabbath 
before  I  went  there  not  more  than  thirty  at- 
tended public  worship.  Only  two  or  three 
young  people  belonged  to  the  church  ;  nearly 
all  the  dear  youth  were  pushing  on  to  death. 
How  changed  the  scene!  Every  member  of 
the  choir,  I  believe,  is  now  hoping  in  the  Lord, 
and  nearly  all  the  youth  have  expressed  pub- 
lid}'  tlieir  determination  to  serve  him.  Li  my 
own  congregation  the  Lord  is  reviving  his  work. 
Some,  I  trust,  have  been  truly  ctmverted ; 
others  are  inquiring.  There  is  a  deep,  tender 
feeling  among  the  members  of  the  church,  and 
yesterday  was  a  precious  day  in  our  sanctuary. 


FAITII    AND    WdKKsi.  105 

I  expect  to  see  a  great  work  licre  tliis  fall  and 
winter.  A  powerful  revival  is  going  forward 
at  Newark  in  Brother  Parsons'  cliurcli.  Some 
200  attend  the  inquiry  meeting  daily,  and 
there  is  a  good  stute  of  things  in  Brother 
Cochran's  church  in  New  York.  Brotlier  Fin- 
ney is  expected  to  spend  the  winter  witli  them. 
Tiie  Holy  Spirit  seems  to  be  hovering  over 
this  region,  and  the  cloud  of  mercy  begins  to 
break.  Praise  the  Lord,  and  pray  for  us. 
Give  my  warmest  love  to  the  dear  brethren 
and  sisters  in  the  Lord,  at  Mount  Vernon. 
Tell  them  I  have  not  forgotten  them,  but  that 
they  live  enshrined  in  my  heart ;  and  as  my 
love  increases  for  the  Lord,  it  increases  for 
them.  "Write  often  and  give  particulars.  Dear 
brother,  I  feel  deep  anxiety  for  your  spiritual 
welfare.  I  long  to  have  Jesus  Christ  formed 
wathin  you,  the  hope  of  glory,  that  you  may  be 
prepai'ed  to  preach  his  gospel  in  demonstration 
of  the  Spirit,  and  with  power." 

"  Whippany,  Oct.  29^A. 
"  My  Dear  Wife  :— My  heart  is  full.  The 
Lord  makes  my  spirit  to  mount  up  as  on 
eagles'  wings.  How  blessed  the  employment 
to  preach  the  everlasting  gospel !  Last  night 
we  had  a  most  precious,  powerful  meeting. 
God  manifested  liimself  in  the  great  congrega- 


106  EDWAEl)  wej:]). 

tion,  and  girded  liis  unworthy  worm  with 
strength.  Some  fifty  took  tlie  anxious-seats. 
I  felt  as  tliougli  the  brethren  and  sisters  in 
Paterson  were  praying  for  me  and  tliis  people. 
I  hope  they  will  continue  to  do  so.  There  is 
yet  a  great  work  which  remains  to  be  done 
here.  The  devil  is  not  dead  nor  asleep.  There 
are  many  obstacles  in  the  way.  But  in  the 
name  of  our  God  we  will  triumph  over  them 
all.  I  feel  that  it  is  my  duty  to  remain  over 
the  Sabbath  here  ;  and  probably  I  shall  stay  the 
most  of  next  week,  if  not  the  whole.  Remem- 
ber, my  dear,  that  great  responsibility  is  rest- 
ing upon  you.  Be  much  in  pra^'er  ;  be  active, 
according  to  your  strength;  not  beyond  it; 
visit  as  much  as  you  can.  I  feel  that  you  can 
do  almost  as  much  good  among  the  people  as 
I  could.  You  have  their  confidence.  Your 
family  will  be  small,  hence  you  will  have  more 

time.     Brother  P ,  I  sujjpose,  will  go  on 

Monday,  and  I  shall  not  see  him  again.  Give 
my  warmest  love  to  him.  I  am  sorry  he  is 
going  without  a  new  heart.  Oh !  that  he 
would  give  himself  to  think  on  his  ways,  and 
turn  to  the  Lord.     If  you  attend  the  meeting, 

Monday  evening,  at  Sister  F 's,  remember 

me  to  the  brethren  and  sisters,  and  say  to 
them  I  request  an  interest  in  their  prayers  for 
myself  and  this  people.     I  shall  write  a  note 


KAITll    AND    WOUKS.  lo7 

to   Brother    C about    the   appointments. 

Adieu." 

"  Bkooklyn,  ]\''ov.  '2\st. 

"  DEAJi  IjKOTIIEK  T — ■ — ■   AND    SlSTER    Tj : 


— You  are  probably  bc^^inning  to  think  tliat 
my  few  days  are  many  weeks.  When  I  hist 
wrote  you  I  had  returned  from  North  Stamford 
to  spend  the  Sabbath  with  my  people  at  Pat- 
erson.  Monday  I  went  back  to  N^orth  Stam- 
ford, and  remained  with  them  until  Friday 
morning.  A  great  blessing  attended  my  la- 
bors there,  li'rom  letters  recently  received 
from  there  I  understand  over  one  hundred  are 
hoping  in  the  Lord.  The  work  is  still  going 
forward.  Soon  after  my  return  I  was  called  to 
go  and  take  the  lead  in  a  meeting,  which  Bro- 
ther C had  commenced  in  a  village  some 

seventeen  miles  from  Paterson.  T  went  there 
and  spent  ten  days,  and  preached  twenty  times. 
Some  sixty  souls  professed  submission  to  God. 
I  have  been  in  this  city  about  two  weeks, 
preaching  evcrj'  evening.  During  the  tiirie 
the  church  "has  been  revived,  and  there  have 
been  some  ten  or  twelve  cases  of  conversion, 
and  about  as  many  more  inquiring.  It  is 
much  more  difhcult  to  move  the  people  in  a 
city  than  in  a  country  village,  there  are  so 
many  diverting  influences,  so  many  things  to 


108  EDWAJiD   WEED. 

take  up  tlie  attention.  The  work  is  evidently 
deepening.  The  Lord  is  daily  increasing  my 
faith  in  the  means  which  he  has  appointed  for 
the  salvation  of  men,  and  his  iinchangeaT)le 
purpose  to  bless  them.  For  the  last  two 
months  I  liaNe  been  away  from  my  people 
nmch  of  the  time.  The  Lord  willing,  I  shall 
return  to  them  this  week,  and  shall  begin  to 
cultivate  my  outi  vineyard  in  good  earnest. 
My  congregation  is  large  and  attentive,  prayer- 
meetings  filled  to  overriowing.  The  Lord  hsta 
given  me  favor  in  the  sight  of  the  people  in 
tins  region,  and  power  to  preach  his  word. 
Do  you  ask  what  influence  it  has  upon  my 
own  mind  'i  I  think  I  never  felt  so  indifferent 
to  the  opinion  of  men,  be  it  praise  or  dis])raise. 
So  that  I  can  say  it  is  a  small  thing  to  be  judged 
of  man's  judgment,  while  I  have  never  felt  so 
deeply  my  accountability  to  God  and  so  much 
to  appreciate  his  approbation.  My  dear  bro- 
ther and  sister,  do  you  wish  to  be  perfectly 
blessed  and  freed  from  the  dominion  of  sin  ? 
Have  but  one  master,  the  blessed  Saviour ; 
but  one  end,  his  glory.  IIow  soul-satisfying  to 
be  able  to  say  from  the  heart, 

"'  Lord,  'tis  enough  that  thou  art  mine, 
My  God,  my  portion,  and  my  all.' 

"  I  earnestly  desire  that  you  should  both  be- 


FAITH    AND    WOKKS.  lO'J 

come  eminent  servants  of  God  ;  polislied  in- 
struments in  His  hands ;  vessels  chosen  by 
Him  unto  honor,  and  meet  for  his  glorious  ser- 
vice." 

"  Patekson,  Dee.  16th. 

"  Dear  Bbotheb  B : — I  was  truly  glad 

to  hear  from  you  and  your  little  church,  and 
the  interests  of  religion  in  general  in  your  re- 
gion. O,  how  much  ministers  need  to  break 
off  their  shackles,  have  but  one  Master,  and 
live  by  faith.  The  times  here  are  exceedingly 
hard,  my  own  church  is  $4,500  in  debt,  and  at 
present  it  is  almost  impossible  to  raise  our  cur- 
rent expenses.  There  is  not  a  rich  man  in  my 
church  ;  almost  all  of  them  are  laborers,  who 
depend  upon  their  daily  exertions  for  support. 
For  the  last  year  nearly  one-half  of  our  j)0pu- 
lation  have  been  out  of  employ  a  great  share 
of  the  time.  There  are  more  than  five  hun- 
dred men  now  in  our  town  that  cannot  get  a 
stroke  of  work  to  do.  I  have  seen  more  suf- 
fering since  I  came  here  than  in  all  my  life 
before.  I  am  literally  prcacldng  the  gospel  to 
the  poor.  I  love  the  work.  AVe  are  now  en- 
joying a  precious    revival.     Brother  M , 

of  O ,  is  with  us.     The  Lord  has  greatly 

blessed  my  labors  since  my  removal  from  the 
"West.     You  speak  of  my  being  able,  by  the 


IIU     "  EmvAKD    VVJiLf), 

grace  of  God  assisting  me,  to  do  great  good  as 
an  evangelist.  I  am  well  assured  that  in  that 
sphere  I  might  be  the  instrmnent  of  great  good. 
Were  I  free  from  my  present  charge  I  would 
enter  n]»on  that  work  at  once.  Ikir  our  times 
and  ways  are  nut  in  our  own  hands.  AVhen 
God,  in  his  providence,  shall  nuike  the  way 
clear  for  me  to  enter  such  a  field,  I  trust  I 
shall  not  be  a  disobedient  child.  I  feel  like 
being  given  up  entirely  to  his  guidance. 

"  Much  love  to  Sister  B and  Cornelia. 

In  this,  my  wife  joins  me.  Much  love  to  all. 
We  shall  alwaj'S  be  glad  to  hear  from  you.'' 

"  Hanover  Neck,  March  Tth. 

"Dear  Wife: — There  were  so  many  things 

on    my  mind    before  I  left   yesterday  that   I 

came  away  and  -forgot  some  that  I  ought  to 

have  attended  to.     \st-  I  promised  to  select  a 

book  for  Mr.  R 's  son,  who  cut  his  foot  so 

badly.  He,  sitting  there  from  da}'  to  day 
alone,  an  interesting  book  would  beguile  his 
hours  much.     Will  you  select  one  and  carry  it 

to  him?     Sf?.  I  agreed  to  let  Mr.  M have 

a  book.  Will  you  carry  him  '  Baxter's  Call  to 
the  Unconverted  V  Sd.  There  are  several  sis- 
ters  who  ought   to   be  visited.     MtW.  R , 

an  old  lady,  who  is  very  ill  ;  Mrs.  B — — ,  who 
is  also  ill ;  and  Mrs.  M ,  and  Mrs.  C . 


FAITH    AMD    WuUKa.  Ill 

"I  bad  a  very  tedious  ride  yesterday — arrived 
here  about  sunset.  Preached  in  the  evening 
to  a  very  gtx)d  and  attentive  audience.  Felt 
the  presence  of  the  Lord.  Am  expecting  a 
great  work.  The  chui-ch  seems  to  be  some- 
what })reiiared.  1  hope  the  dear  bretliren  and 
sisters  will  pray  for  me.  I  am  pleasantly  situ- 
ated and  my  health  is  good. 

"  8^A. — ^Tliis  is  a  beautiful  morning.  We  had 
verj'  interesting  meetings  yesterday.  There  is 
a  good  prospect  before  us — my  health  good  and 
strength  firm.     I  shall  send  this  to-day  by  Mrs. 

H .     Adieu." 

"  IIai^ovee,  March  13fh. 

"  Dear  Brothek: — The  strongest  desire  for 
your  best  good  dwells  in  my  heart.  That  you 
may  be  a  true  man  of  God,  emptied  of  self, 
delivered  from  the  dominion  of  the  flesh, 
stripped  of  all  the  shackles  of  the  world  and 
the  devil,  and  introduced  into  the  full  liberty 
of  the  sons  of  God.  I  cannot  bear  the  thought 
that  your  gifts,  talents  and  opportunities,  which 
are  great  blessings  in  themselves,  should  be 
lost  to  tb.e  world,  and  be  turned  into  a  bitter 
curse  to  your  own  soul.  Xo,  I  want  to  see 
heaven  in  your  heart;  truth,  with  all  its  tran- 
scendent loveliness  and  beauty,  in  your  mind, 
eternal  glory  in  your  eye,  and  your  voice,  like 
the  messenger  of  God  heard  over  the  hills  and 


112  EbWAKl)    "WKKD. 

valleys  of  our  beloved  land,  calling  your  fellow 
men  to  tliat  feast  of  love  which  heaven  has 
prepared  for  all  hearts  to  receive.  This,  my 
brother,  is  delightful  work.  How  much  better 
than  the  drudgery  of  the  political  demagogue. 
My  heart  is  full.  I  would  like  to  tell  you  what 
the  Lord  is  doing  for  my  soul.  I  have  not, 
however,  time  nor  room  now ;  I  will  only  say 
that  at  no  period  of  my  life  has  my  mind  been 
so  fully  girded,  and  light  and  truth  poured  in 
upon  it  in  so  large  streams,  and  in  such  glorious 
power.  And  at  no  time  has  my  every  effort 
been  crowned  with  such  success.  It  is  now 
about  ten  months  since  I  came  to  Paterson. 
During  that  time  ninety-eight  have  been  added 
to  my  church.  Our  Sabbath-school  increased 
from  180  to  245,  and  our  congregation  greatly 
enlarged.  Besides  this,  I  am  now  holding  the 
iifth  protracted  meeting  abroad,  in  each  of 
which  a  good  work  has  been  wrought,  viz: — ■ 
North  Stamford  and  Long  Eidge,  Ct.,  Brook- 
lyn, L.  L,  Whippany  and  Hanover  Neck, 
N.  J.  I  am  at  the  latter  ])lace  now.  Have 
been  here  a  week  ;  expect  to  remain  about  four 
days  longer.  Old  and  young  are  awakened. 
Yestei-day,  the  Sabbath,  the  Lord  was  tj-uly  in 
our  midst.  About  40  went  forward  to  the 
anxious  seat  last  evening — numbers  are  rejoic- 
ing in  hope.     I  feel  in  all  this  I   am   nothing. 


FAlTir    A.NT)   WOKKS.  113 

God  in  his  infinite  mercy  has  poured  his  love 
into  my  heart,  and  his  truth  into  my  mind,  and 
enables  me  to  stand  up  amonjr  my  fellow  men 
and  pour  out  what  he  has  poured  in.  Soon  my 
voice  will  be  hushed  in  death  ;  but  the  words 
of  his  rich  grace,  uttered  by  it,  will  live  and 
exert  blessed  life-giving  power  down  to  the  end 
of  time  and  through  eternity.  Precious  thought! 
Who  can  decline  such  a  work   as   this,  or  tire 

in  its  pei'forinance  i     Brother  and  sister  IT • 

are  still  with  us  ;  both  of  tlieui  think  they  have 
given  their  hearts  to  the  Lord,  and  have  united 
witii  the  church.  They  appear  well.  All  the 
family  were  in  good  health  when  I  left  home. 
My  own  healtii  remains  firm.     Give  my  love 

to  C .     Tell  him  I  am  very  thankful  for  his 

letters — hope  he  will  write  often.     Love  also 

to  L .     Get  a  large  sheet  and  all  write — • 

tell  me  all  about  Mount  Vernon.  Remember 
me  aiFectionately  to  Brother  Morgan  ;  tell  him 
his  visit  did  me  great  good,  that  om-  people 
remember  him  with  affectionate  interest,  and 
that  I  had  a  most  blessed  time  the  first  two 
weeks  in  February  in  C(mnecticut.  Some 
seventy  souls  were  converted." 

"  Paterson,  3/ay  23r7. 
"Dear  Brother  : — Your  letter  was  duly  re- 
ceived, and  we  were  right  glad  to  hear  from 


114  EDWAKD  WEED. 

you  once  more.  I  was  rather  amused  at  that 
part  of  your  letter  wliere  you  speak  of  the  hap- 
piness it  would  afford  you  if  your  calling  were 
selected,  and  yourself  fairly  settled  and  estab- 
lished in  it.  The  feeling  is  natural  and  common, 
but  delusive.  I  have  experienced  it,  and  would 
that  I  could  impress  upon  your  mind,  with  the 
power  it  rests  upon  my  own,  that  no  change  of 
temporal  relations,  or  external  circumstances, 
of  themselves,  can  "  impart  the  bliss  we  seek." 
It  is  a  portion  of  the  vail  which  sin  has  thrown 
over  the  human  mind,  that  leads  mankind, 
almost  universally,  to  look  forward  to  some 
mere  outward  change  as  a  means  of  greatly 
augmenting  their  happiness.  Still  it  remains 
a  solemn  fact,  that  they  are  all  disappointed. 
Those  expecting  bliss  from  such  a  source,  will 
invariably  find  the  words  of  the  poet  emphati- 
cally true — 

"  This  life's  a  dream,  an  empty  show.'' 

There  is  only  one  resting  place  for  man's  soul 
on  earth,  where  he  can  look  upon  "  All  the 
good  and  ill  that  chequers  life,"  with  cora- 
])lacency  and  fearless  joy  ;  but  one  path,  where 
each  successive  step  will  be  one  of  increased 
light,  glory  and  bliss.  That  resting  place  is 
the  bosom  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  attained  by 
a  simple,  implicit,  child-like  faith.     Tiiat  p:it,h 


FAITU   AND   WORKS.  115 

is  the  patli  of  duty,  the  way  of  holiness.  The 
man  who  looks  to  the  future  and  expects  to  be 
greatly  happy,  and  greatly  useful,  and  greatly 
successful,  because  he  is  united  by  a  living 
faith  to  God,  and  because  he  expects  to  wear 
out  in  his  service  ;  surely  he  will  not  be  dis- 
appointed. To  him  this  life  will  not  be  "  a 
dream,  an  empty  show,"  but  he  will  find  in  it 
joys  substantial  and  sincere,  and  "glory  be- 
gun below."  JNow  in  reference  to  a  profession. 
1  should  rejoice  to  have  you  preach  the  gospel, 
but  not  in  your  present  state  of  mind.  I  feel 
that  you  have  talents  and  acquirements  that,  if 
rightly  directed,  would  enable  you  to  act  a 
conspicuous  part  in  this  world's  reformation. 
But  you  need  baptizing — consecrating  to  the 
work — by  the  Holy  Ghost.  K^o  man  should 
take  this  office  to  himself,  but  he  who  is  called 
of  God.  I  think  every  man  of  the  requisite 
talents  has  in  these  days  a  common  call ;  such 
as  every  sinner  has  to  repentance  and  faith, 
but  there  is  a  special  call,  a  holy  designation 
to  the  work  by  God  himself.  ISTo  man  is  fit  to 
preach  the  gospel  who  has  not  felt  in  a  measure 
in  his  spirit  the  triune  God  laying  his  hands 
upon  him,  and  setting  him  apart  to  the  work, 
and  the  Divine  voice  urging  him  onward  to  its 
performance.  Many  have  entered  the  sacred 
ministry  lightly,  anc^are  a  curse  to  the  church. 


116  EDWARD   WEED. 

In  deciding  your  calling,  you  measurably  decide 
your  destiny.  Weigh  the  matter  well.  Look 
to  God  earnestly.     Have  a  single  eye. 

"All  things  thus  far  are  moving  on  smoothly 
in  our  congregation.  Our  influence  is  on  the 
increase,  and  I  trust  we  are  also  increasing  in 

holiness.     Where  is  L ?     AVe  have  heard 

that  C is  sick  ;  how  is  he  ? — we  wish  nmch 

to  hear.     Give  my  warmest  love  to  him." 

"Paterson,  Aug.  Wth. 
"  Dear  Brother  : — I  have  been  for  the  last 
few  weeks  feeling  very  anxious  on  your  behalf. 
You  are  now  through  college,  and  the  next 
thing  is  for  you  to  choose  a  profession  and 
then  pass  through  the  requisite  preparation. 
I  have  been  fearful  lest  you  should  decide 
wrong,  without  sufficient  reflection  and  humble, 
fervent  prayer.  Lest  feeling  sliould  govern 
you  more  tlian  reason  and  genuine  love  to  God. 
and  num.  I  presume  there  are  but  two  pro- 
fessions between  which  your  mind  is  vacillat- 
ing :  Divinity  and  Law.  I  have  two  objections 
to  your  studying  law  : — Ist^  I  am  afraid  if  you 
become  a  lawyer  and  a  politician  you  will  lose 
your  soul.  Their  temptations  are  great,  and 
not  mqre  than  one  in  a  hundred  succeed  in 
resisting  them.  IIow  rare  to  find  a  devoted, 
thorough  Christian  amoMt  them  ;  though  there 


FAITH   AND    WOHKS.  117 

are  many  professors.  I  know  not  how  to 
express  my  view  of  the  condition  of  the  mass 
of  these  so  well  as  by  quoting  from  a  poem 
which  I  found  in  Coleridge — 

'  God  and  the  world,  we  worship  both  together, 
Draw  not  our  laws  to  Him,  but  his  to  ours, 

Untrue  to  both,  go  prosperous  in  neither, 
The  imperfect  will  brings  forth  but  barren  flowers. 

Unwise,  as  all  distracted  interests  be, 

Strangers  to  God,  fools  in  humanity  ; 

Too  good  for  great  things,  and  too  great  for  good, 

While  still,  /  dare  not,  waits  upon,  /  would.' 

This  extract  describes,  I  am  fearful,  the  great 
majority  of  professed  Christians  among  lawyers 
and  politicians,  and  just  what  I  fear  you  would 
be  should  you  choose  the  profession  of  law. 
2c?,  I  think  you  can  accomplish  more  good  by 
direct  effort  than  you  can  by  indirect.  Hence 
I  would  say,  if  your  heart  is  set  on  doing 
good,  and  the  most  good,  give  yourself  directly 
to  the  work.  If  you  wish  to  be  honored  by 
the  President  of  the  Universe,  present  yourself 
to  him,  a  most  obedient  subject,  and  he  will 
give  you  an  appointment  which  shall  be  a 
crown  of  everlasting  honor.  "Would  you  have 
fame,  heralded  by  the  angels  of  God,  through 


118  EDWARD   WEED. 

all  the  realms  of  glory,  seek  from  his  Son  a  fall 
commission  to  preach  his  everlasting  gospel, 
and  all  that  you  wish  or  ask  shall  be  more 
than  realized.  I  hope  you  will  not  fix  upon 
any  plan  until  I  see  you." 


CHAPTER  XI. 

BEGGING   TOUR — DEATH   OF   MKS.    WEED CALL 

TO    BROOKLYN. 

The  clmrcli  in  P ,  to  which  Mr.  Weed 

ministered,  was  in  many  respects  blessed  and 
prosperous  ;  hut  they  were  constantly  embar- 
rassed and  crippled  by  the  heavy  debt  which 
they  had  incuiTed  in  building.  His  earnest 
desire  to  free  them  from  this,  prompted  him  to 
leave  them  a  few  weeks,  and  solicit  the  aid  of 
other  churches  in  their  behalf.  A  brief  jour- 
nal kept  at  this  period,  and  a  few  letters,  give . 
a  short  history  of  this  tour,  and  of  the  en- 
couragement that  he  received  from  abroad : 

''^Sept.  21, 1843. — Started  on  a  begging  tour. 
Went  to  Nevv  York  city,  and  put  up  with  S. 
R.  P . 

"  22^. — Made  arrangements  to  preach  in  the 
congregations  of  Br^ren  C ,  M and 


120  EDWARD    WEED. 

"23iZ. — Spent  most  of  the  day  in  preparing 
a  sermon.  Went  to  Brooklyn  and  visited  Br. 
J . 

"  2\th. — Preached  three  times  from  Ps. 
cxxvi.  (3 — '  lie  that  goeth  fortli  and  weepeth, 
bearing  precious  seed,  shall  doubtless  come 
again    with    rejoicing,   bringing    his    sheaves 

with  him.'     Collected  $7u  in  Brother  C s' 

church. 

''25M.— Called  on  Br.  C ,  Br.  W , 

<kc. 

"  26^.— Called  on  Br.  L.  T ,  and  ob- 
tained a  donation  of  $50  in  anti-slavery  books, 

for  Paterson    chnrch.      Peturned   to  P , 

and  attended  to  a  case  of  discipline  in  the 
church. 

"27«'/i. — Visited  several  families,  and  then 
returned  to  New  York  and  Brooklyn.  Preached 
in  the  evening  for  Br.  J . 

"  2S<'A. — AVent  out  to  solicit  for  the  church, 
and  obtained  onh^  $0. 

"  Idth. — Spent  the  day  in  soliciting,  and 
obtained  $29. 

"  o^Hh. — Spent  the  morning  with  Br.  C , 

and  obtained  $11  for  church.  Wrote  to  wife 
and  Br.  C . 

"  Oct.  1st. — Preached  in  the  First  Free 
Church  of  Brooklyn,  from  Ps.  cxxvi.  6,  and 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  121 

obtained  a  subscription  of  $65.04  fur  my 
church. 

"  'id. — Spent  the  morning  with  Br.  W . 

Wrote  an  article  in  reference  to  the  promis- 
cuous sitting  of  colored  peojjle  in  churches, 

and  had  a  long  conversation  with  Br.  C 

upon  the  subject.     Visited  Br.  A.  S ,  and 

obtained  some  names  to  call  upon  for  dona- 
tions. 

"  Zrd. — Spent  the  morning  in  Brooklyn. 
Head  the  last  two  chapters  of  2d  Cor.,  in 
Greek,  with  Dr.  Bloomlield's  comments. 
Went  over  to  New  York  and  obtained  §26 
for  our  church.  Beturned  to  Paterson,  and 
in  the  evening  attended  a  session  meeting. 

"  \th. — Spent  at  home,  making  provision 
for  fuel,  etc.,  and  in  the  evening  attended  ses- 
sion meeting. 

"  5M. — Went  to  Is'ew  York  and  returned  to 

P ,  and  then  prepared  to  leave  home  for 

Providence,  R.  I.  Took  passage  in  the  steamer 
Massachusetts.  Spent  the  evening  in  reading 
the  Greek  Testament — read  the  first  three 
chapters  of  Gahitians. 

'^  6;'A.— Arrived  at  P •  at  4  A.  M.    Called 

on   Dea   C ,  and   breakfasted   with  him. 

Called  on  Brethren  P — —  and  II— — ,  and 
Dr.  T .     Spent  the  night  at  Dea.  C 's. 

"  "itli. — Spent  the  naming  in  writing ;   in 


122  EDWAKD   WEED. 

P.  M.  called  on  Brother  P ,  and  with  him 

visited  Eev.  S.  T.  W .     Spent  the  evening 

with  Dea.  C . 

"  Sth. — Preached  in  the  morning  at  High 

Street  Church  ;  P.  M.,  for  Br.  W ;  in  tlie 

evening  attended  Sabbath-school  concert. 
The  day  was  exceedingly  stormy. 

"  9th. — Spent  the  day  in  soliciting — obtain- 
ed $J:4.  Preached  in  the  evening  to  a  solemn 
and  attentive  audience,  from  Eccl.  xii.  1 — 
'Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of 
thy  youth,  while  the  evil  days  come  not,  nor 
the  years  draw  nigh  when  thou  shalt  say,  I 
have  no  pleasure  in  them.'  Felt  the  Lord 
was  good  to  my  soul. 

"  10^/i — Spent  most  of  tlie  day  in  soliciting 
— obtained  $21.  Attended  the  Council  for 
dissolving  the  Pastoral  Connection  between 

Brother  P and  the  High  Street  Church. 

In  the  evening,  attended  and  spoke  at  tempe- 
rance meeting." 

"Providence,  Oct.  9th,  1S43. 

"  My  Dear  Wife  : — I  had  a  very  j)leasant 
and  speedy  trip  to  this  place.     Found  Brother 

P here,   and  pretty  well  for  him.     He 

preached  his  farewell  sermon  yesterday  after- 
noon. 

"  The  people  part  w^  him  with  deep  re- 


FAITH    AND   WORKS.  123 

gret.  As  usual,  for  him,  lie  had  obtained  a 
strong  hold  upon  tlieir  uflections.  It  will  be 
difficult  for  them  to  obtain  another  man  who 
will    make   his  place  good.     I  preached    for 

him  in  the  morning,  and  for  Mr.  W in 

the  afternoon.  What  will  be  the  result  of  mj 
labors,  I  cannot  tell.  They  are  not  in  the 
habit  of  taking  up  collections  on  the  Sabbath 
— I  shall  have  to  call  upon  individuals.  The 
prospect,  at  j)i'esent,  is  rather  dull,  but  I  am 
not  discouraged :  shall  do  the  best  I  can,  and 
leave  the  result  with  the  Lord.  My  health  is 
very  good  :  I  suppose  you  are  very  feeble, 
and,  at  times,  sutfer  great  pain  :  you  must 
quiet  yourself,  and  trust  in  the  Lord.  Be  as- 
sured I  remember  home  and  its  sweet  scenes. 
I  hope  the  work  I  have  to  do  will  soon  be 
accomplished,  but  how  soon  I  cannot  tell. 
This  begging  business  is  any  thing  but  plea- 
sant or  desirable  in  itself,  but  it  is  an  admi- 
rable discipline,  and  just  what  I  need  to 
humble  my  pride.  I  trust  you  ju-ay  for  me. 
I  expect  to  go  to  Boston,  Wednesday ;  shall 
probably  remain  there  over  the  Sabbath ;  if 
you  write  immediately  a  letter  will  reach  me 
there.  Direct  to  the  care  of  Rev.  Wm.  P. 
Kussel.     I  suppose,  before  this  reaches  you, 

that  sisters  C ,  L and  A ,  will  have 

left  you.     I  shall  r^ret  their  absence  when  I 


124  EDWAKD   WEED. 

return,  but,  I  suppose/! and  L are 

with  you,  and  will  be  a  comfort  to  you.     Mj 
warmest  love  to  them." 

"  Dear  Brothek  : — I  am  sorry  tliat  it  so 
happened  that  I  was  necessarily  absent  from 
home  when  you  came.  Should  like  to  have 
been  thereto  assist  you  in  getting  your  school 
under  way,  though  I  think  you  will  have  no 
dilhculty.  Perhaps  you  had  better  advertise. 
Let  me  say,  my  dear  brotlicr,  that  if  you 
Avould  do  much  in  the  world,  you  must  be  a 
close  student  and  a  deep  thinker.  Olf-hand 
readiness  and  superficial  sparkling  will  do  for 
a  iirst  impression  ;  but,  that  passed,  the  foun- 
dation material  will  be  discovered.  If  that  is 
pure  gold,  the  first  impression  will  only  en- 
hance its  value ;  but,  if  not,  it  will  be  con- 
sidered an  outside  shining  cover  to  a  base 
metal.  I  trust  your  mind  is  made  up,  to 
apply  yourself  to  study  with  great  diligence. 
Jjc  sure  and  master  every  thing  you  i)ut  your 
hand  to.     I  cannot  say,  now,  wlien  I  shall  be 

liome.     Mucli  love  to  L .     Please  write  in 

wife's  letter." 

"  Salem,  Mass.,  Oct.  23^. 
"My  Dear  Wiek  : — I  have  got  no  farther 
than  this  place,  instead  of  Lowell,  as  I  antici- 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  125 

patod,  -when  I  lust  wrote.  Last  week  was,  in 
nuinj  respects,  an  eventful  week  to  me.  I 
was  thrown  amid  nearly  all  the  'lions,'  alias 
wonders,  of  this  Eastern  World.  My  eyes 
were  constantly  in  use,  and  my  bump  of  won- 
der and  admiration  perceptibly  enlarged. 

"  I  shall  not  take  time  now  to  describe  my 
wanderings,  but  leave  that  until  I  get  home, 
for  one  of  those  family  chats  for  which  I  am 
so  famous.  I  am  now  at  one  of  the  oldest 
settlements  of  Xew  England,  the  scene  of  the 
ancient  witchcraft.  It  is  one  of  the  most 
quiet  cities  I  ever  visited,  possessed  of  im- 
mense wealth,  accumulated  almost  entirely 
by  traffic  upon  the  high  seas.  I  preached  yes- 
terday in  two  difl'erent  congregations.  To-day 
I  shall  commence  my  pastoral  solicitation, 
with  what  success  the  future  will  reveal.  I 
worked  hard  last  week,  and  got  only  about 
$55.  You  may  be  assured  that  it  is  hard 
work  to  go  into  the  midst  of  strangers  to  me 
and  my  church,  and  present  my  cause.  Still 
I  tind  it  admirable  discipline,  and  well  adapted 
to  improve  my  personal  address.  I  shall  not 
reach  Lowell  until  the  latter  part  of  this  week* 
of  course  shall  not  hear  from  you  until  then, 
and  must  remain  in  ignorance  and  suspense, 
whether  you  are  sick  or  well,  dead  or  alive. 
This    is    trying,   and    were    it    not    that   I 


12G  EDWAKD   WEED. 

Lad  learned  to  commit  all  things  into  tlio 
hands  of  our  Ileavenly  Father,  I  could  not 
endure  it.  My  own  health  is  good  ;  my  cold 
has  in  a  great  measure  left  me.  I  expect  to 
spend  a  day  or  two  in  this  city  and  vicinity; 
then  visit  Newburyport,  and  from  there  pro- 
ceed to  Lowell,  where  I  expect  to  spend  next 
Sabbath,  get  your  letter  of  last  and  also  of 
this  week.  AVhen  I  shall  return  home  I  can- 
not tell.  You  cannot  wish  me  home  more 
than  I  long  to  be  there.  But  the  Lord  has 
laid  this  sore  travail  upon  me,  and  I  must  pass 
through  it.  I  have  made  up  my  mind  long 
since  to  decline  no  service,  however  disagree- 
able it  may  be  to  my  feelings,  if  it  be  a  mani- 
fest Christian  duty.  It  is  a  blessed  privilege 
to  take  up  our  cross  and  follow  Christ.     Much 

love  to  T ,  L ,  and  little  E .     Keep 

me  advised  of  all  the  important  things  pass- 
ing in  our  parish.  Does  Brother W — —keep 
up  the  interest  on  the  Sabbath  ?  Write  to  me 
again  at  Lowell." 

Before  Mr.  AYced  had  time  to  finish  his 
work  of  soliciting  for  his  church,  he  was  called 
to  attend  the  sick,  and  what  proved  to  be  the 
dying  bed  of  his  wife.  Her  health  had  long 
been  feeble,  and  she  survived  the  birtli  of  an 
infant    son    only   two   weeks.      Though   her 


PAITn   AJ^D   WORKS.  127 

death  was  sudden,  she  was  not  taken  unawares. 
In  her  last  letter  to  her  husband  she  says  : 

"  Tlie  Lord  is  my  refuge  and  strength.  I 
have  long  since  made  this  my  abiding  pldceP 
And  when  told  that  it  was  the  chill  of  death 
that  gathered  upon  her,  "The  cup  my 
Ileavenl}'-  Father  giveth  me,  shaH  I  not  drink 
it  ? "  was  her  submissive  response.  But  in 
this  hour  of  heavy  sorrow  Mr.  "Weed  wept 
not  alone.  Probably  a  pastor  s  wife  was  never 
more  beloved,  or  her  death  more  regretted. 
An  extract  from  his  diary  at  the  time  of  this 
affliction,  shows  that  while  he  sorrowed  as  a 
man,  he  recognized  the  hand  that  smote  him, 
and  submitted  like  a  Christian. 

''Dec  Vltlh,  1843.— This  has  been  the  most 
trying  day  of  my  life.  I  arose  in  the  morn- 
ing, waited  on  my  dear  sick  wife  ;  found  her 
very  feeble.  Some  time  in  the  morning  she 
was  attacked  with  a  severe  chill,  accompanied 
with  a  palpitation  of  the  heart.  We  tried  to 
produce  a  re-action,  but  were  unsuccessful. 
Death,  like  a  staunch  murderer,  marched  right 
on  to  his  prey,  and  her  happy  spirit  took  its 
departure  precisely  at  eleven  o'clock,  P.  M. 
During  her  whole  sickness  not  a  doubt  crossed 
her  peaceful   breast.     All  was  as  calm  and 


128  EDWAui)  wki:t). 

sweet  as  the  siiiisliine  of  heaven.  TVe  were 
married  November  5th,  1836,  a  little  more 
than  seven  years  since.  Just  ))revious  to  our 
marriage  she  received  a  large  baptism  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  the  savor  of  wliich  she  never  lost. 
Her  faith  took  a  higher  stand-j^oint,  and  I 
never  knew  her  to  doubt  her  acceptance  in 
the  belovecL  The  sting  of  death  was  taken 
EAvaj  and  its  terrors  bauislied.  She  loved  to 
dwell  upon  the  subject  of  dying.  This  blow 
of  Divine  Providence  has  lacerated  my  whole 
soul.  'The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath 
taken  away ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord.' 

"  ISth. — Tliis  day  has  been  spent  in  MTiting 
letters  to  the  friends  of  my  departed  wife,  in- 
forming them  of  her  death,  and  in  receiving 
the  visits  and  sympathies  of  dear  friends  who 
liave  couie  in  to  condole  with  me.  Sad  and 
joyful  have  the  hours  passed. 

"  14:fh. — To-day  I  have  deposited  the  remains 
of  my  dear  wife  in  the  grave.  The  feelings  of 
my  heart  as  I  took  the  last  look,  and  heard  tiie 
earth  strike  upon  the  cutlin,  language  cannot 
express.  But  it  is  done,  sealed  by  the  eternal 
iiat.  There  is  no  recalling  the  ])ast ;  tears  nor 
supplications  cainujt  bring  her  back.  Blessed 
be  God  that  it  is  so.  Who  would  bring  her 
down  again  from  the  joys  of  heaven  to  the 


FAITH    AND    WOKKS.  129 

pains  of  earth  ?  Rev.  Samuel  Cochran  preacli- 
ed  her  funeral  sermon  from  Job  i.  21,  last 
clause.  Brother  T.  D.  Wehl  was  present,  and 
gave  a  touching  sketch  of  her  eventful  and 
useful  life.  Tears  flowed  profusely  in  the  great 
congregation. 

"  Thou  art  gone  to  the  grave, 
.    I  will  not  deplore  thee."  ' 

"  Dec.  24:th. — During  the  past  week  have 
made  thirteen  pastoral  visits.  To-day  preached 
.  twice  and  attended  Sabbath-school  and  con- 
ference meeting. 

"  25M. — Made  five  visits  and  attended 
prayer-meeting  at  Brother  McLaughlin's.  Had 
a  precious  meeting. 

"  30th. — Preached  at  Newark  three  times  to- 
day. 

"  Jan.  1st.,  18-i4. — Returned  from  K'ewark. 
Met  the  young  people  at  three  P.M.  After- 
ward called  on  several  families.  Brother 
AVm.  Cochran  preached  for  me  in  the  evening 
on  the  law. 

'•  2d. — Spent    the    morning    with     Brother 

C .     Yisited    in    the    afternoon.      Brother 

C preached  in  the  evening. 

"  3d. — Spent  the  day  visiting.  Preached  in 
the  evening. 


130  EI)\VAi:l)    WEKl). 

"  ith. — Brother  Russel  arrived,  and  preached 
in  tlio  evenini;.     Brother  C left. 

"7///.— A\<WaM.— Brother  U preached 

in  A.  M.      P.  M.  comunuiion   celebrated,  and 

Brothers  Y and  C had  their  children 

baptized.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  most 
solemn  and  impressive  meeting. 

"  St/i. — In  the  morning  read  Eph.  iv.  25  to 
V.  3,  critically  in  Greek.  Bead  also  a  part 
of  Dr.  Smith's  lecture  on  the  connection  of  the 
nervous  and  muscular  influence  vt'ith  the  men- 
tal and  moral  developments  of  man.  Read 
Ivames  on  the  powers  of  the  passions  to  diffuse 
themselves  to  kindred  subjects.  Wrote  to 
Brother  S ,  of  Mount  Yernon. 

"  29th. — Went  to  Brooklyn  to  attend  a  meet- 
jug  of  the  First  Free  Church.     Saw and 

conversed  with  him.  Found  him  a  poor, 
withered,  blasted  man.  Poor  fellow  1  Re- 
turned home  and  found  dear  babe  sick.  Con- 
cluded  to   let   Mrs.    C take   it  away   to 

nurse." 

During  the  autumn  of  1843,  Mr.  AYeed  re- 
ceived a  call  from  several  different  churches  to 
become  their  pastor ;    and  though  his   church 

in   P unanimously   opposed    his   leaving 

them,  there  were  some  reasons  ])resented  to  his 
mind  in  the  urgent  invitation  which  he  received 
from  the  First  Free  Presbyterian  Chui'ch  of 


FAITH    ANJ)    WOUKS.  131 

Jjrooldyn,  tliut  led  liiin  to  decide  to  go  tliere. 
It  was  tlie  o})iiioii  of  the  leading  men  in  tliat 
cliurcli,  that  he  was  the  only  man  ot"  their  ac- 
quaintance who  could  build  them  up,  alter  the 
sad  cahunitj  that  had  just  then  fallen  upon  them. 
He  was  dismissed  from  the  church  in  Pater- 
son  on  29th  of  January,  1844,  and  the  same 
day  the  Rev.  AVm.  P.  Russel  received  an  in- 
vitation to  take  his  place,  which  he  accepted, 
giving  Mr.  Weed  the  satisfaction  that  his  be- 
loved flock  would  not  be  left  as  sheep  without 
a  shepherd,  but  that  in  this  respect  they  were 
very  desirably  provided  for. 


CEAPTER  XII. 

REMOVES    TO    BROOKLYN. SECOND      MARRIAGE. 

FINISHES    UIS    LABORS   IN    BROOK  Lm. 

The  1st  of  February,  18i4,  Mr.  Weed  re- 
moved to  Brooklyn,  and  commenced  his  labors 
tliere  in  the  First  Free  Presbyterian  Church. 
The  June  fullowini>;  he  was  installed  pastor  of 
the  church  to  which  he  ministered  by  the  Con- 
gregational Association,  of  which  he  was  a  mem- 
ber. Soon  after  his  installation  he  wrote  to  a 
friend  :  "  Since  you  left,  a  part  of  the  time  my 
health  has  been  poor,  but  now  I  am  well,  both 
in  body  and  mind.  The  Lord  is  blessing  my 
soul,  and  pressing  me  on  in  his  work.  It 
Bcems  to  me  I  have  no  desire  to  live  but  to 
glorify  God  and  do  good  to  my  fellow-men. 
It  is  my  continued  and  earnest  prayer  to  be 
filled  with  all  his  fullness.  He  is  prospering 
me  in  my  labors,  and  giving  me  power  over 
the  people.     The  Lord  is  filling  me  with  ten- 


FAITH    AJNJD    WOUKS.  133 

(leniess  and  love  toward  himself,  toward  his 
friends,  and  the  whole  human  race.  Pray 
much  ;  pray  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  Pray  for  me, 
yourself,  and  the  church."  In  August,  Mr, 
Weed  left  his  people  for  a  few  weeks  to  rest 
and  recruit  himself.  He  wrote  to  his  brother 
soon  after: 

"  POUGHKEEPSIE,  Av(/.  ISt/l,  1844. 

"  Dear  Brothkr  ; — I  have  concluded  to 
keep  a  little  journal  of  my  travels  and  send  to 
you.  Of  the  incidents  of  our  journey  to  the 
boat  you  have  a  livino;  copy  in  your  own  brain. 

In  due  time  the  boat  got  underway.     S 

and  myself  stationed  ourselves  on  the  upper 
deck,  in  a  position  to  feast  our  eyes  with  all 
the  wonders  of  the  city,  rear  landscapes,  vil- 
lages, &c.,  each  with  book  in  hand,  so  that  be- 
tween looking,  talking,  and  reading,  the  hours 
passed  s\yiftly  and  sweetly  by  until  we  landed 
at  the   Poughkeepsie   duck,   where   we  found 

good  Brother  W with  a  carriage  awaiting 

our  arrival.  And  soon,  under  his  hospitable 
roof,  we  wei'e  made  to  feel  as  much  at  home  as 
in  our  own  house.  Seldom  have  I  met  with  a 
family  who  have  so  happy  a  facidty  of  making 
their  guests  feel  that  they  are  entirely  wel- 
come. During  the  P.  M.,  feeling  fatigued,  I 
kept  in-doors,  and  busied  myself  in  reading 
12 


134:  KDWAJID   WKED. 

the  '  Oberliii  Evangelist,'  containing  (among 
other  things,  uiy  sermon  and)  'Finney  on 
Sanctification.'  My  soul  had  a  feast  of  fat 
things.  I  lelt  my  whole  heart  lifting  itself  up 
to  the  eternal  throne,  and  crying  out  after  per- 
fect purity,  that  the  image  Divine  might  be 
impressed  upon  my  whole  being.  What  bless-, 
ing  is  there  in  the  whole  universe  so  great,  so 
glorious,  as  that  of  being  in  the  moral  likeness 
of  our  God  ?  I  have  witnessed  what  wealth 
and  human  applause  can  do  for  man,  and  I 
feel,  in  my  revj  soul,  that  in  their  height  and 
depth,  they  are  very  vanity.  But  a  pure 
heart,  a  soul  fashioned  in  the  heavenly  mould, 
is  an  '  inheritance  incorruptible,  undefiled,  and 

that  fadetli  not  away.'     After  tea  S and 

myself  went  out  into  the  village  for  a  promenade. 

You  are  aware  that  P lies  on  the  east  side 

of  the  Hudson,  on  the  slope  of  a  hill,  that 
rises  gradually  from  the  river.  Back  of  the 
village,  hill  after  hill,  and  range  after  range, 
rise  and  spread  themselves  out  in  every  va- 
riety of  form.  The  hand  of  cultivation  has 
smoothed  and  crowned  their  summits  with 
fruits  and  grain  meet  for  the  use  of  man. 
"West  of  the  Hudson,  that  rolls  its  wide  and 
beautiful  waters  at  the  foot  of  the  town,  rise 
and  spread  out  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach, 
all  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation ;  other  hills 


FAITH    AND    WUlUvy.  135 

and  ranges,  seeminn:;  to  answer  to  those  on 
the  east,  hill  to  hill,  and  range  to  range, 
like  two  nierrj  choirs  of  youth,  in  health  and 
beauty,  arranged  ior  the  harmonious  song,  and 
joyous  dance.  As  we  went  forth,  the  sun  had 
just  disappeared  beyond  the  western  range, 
tinging  by  his  departing  rays  tlie  fleecy  clouds 
and  eastern  sunimits  with  gold.  The  evening 
zephyrs  seemed  simultaneously  to  rise  from 
every  hill  and  glen,  loaded  with  the  fragrance 
of  summer,  and  imparting  their  soothing  and 
invigorating  power.  We  stood,  gazed,  ad- 
mired, wept  for  joy,  and  exclaimed,  If  this  be 
the  footstool  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  what 
must  be  his  throne !  In  a  moment,  in  imagi- 
nation, we  w^ere  carried  to  the  heights  of  hea- 
ven, and  through  these  types  below,  seemed 
to  survey  the  glorious  realities  above.  We 
thought  of  mother,  Phebe,  Harriet,  and  other 
dear  departed  friends,  going  forth  amid  the 
beauties  and  sublimities  of  the  paradise  of 
God — taking  not  their  evening  walks,  for  '  no 
night  is  there?  And  again  we  shed  tears  of 
gratitude  and  joy,  and  continued  our  walk, 
dilating  upon  the  wonderful  and  glorious  pros- 
pects of  God's  dear  children.  That  we  re- 
turned to  our  lodgings  edified  and  refreshed 
you  will  readily  believe.  Sabbath  morning 
came  ;  I  spent  it  in  prayer,  and  contemplating 


136  EDWAUl)   WEKI). 

the  great  and  precious  promises  made  to  be- 
lievers, until  my  soul  seemed  to  be  winged. 
Visited  the  SabI)atii-schoul,  and  addressed  the 
children.  Preached  in  the  jnurning,  to  a  good- 
sized  audience,  from  the  resoluti(jn  of  Joshua, 
'  As  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the 
Lord ;'  in  the  afternoon,  from  '  The  goodness 
of  God  leadeth  thee  to  repentance ;'  and  in 
the  evening,  from  '  Trust  in  tlie  Lord  and  do 
good.'  During  the  whole  day  the  heat  was 
excessively  oppressive,  but  my  strength  held 
out  well,  and  I  was  enabled  to  speak  with  ease 
and  my  usual  power.  It  is  now  Monday.  I 
I  arose  early,  and  luid  a  most  precious  season 
of  prayer  and  studying  the  subject  of  sanctifi- 
cation.  My  heart  and  my  flesh  cried  out  after 
the  living  God.  I  feel  more  and  more,  my 
dear  brother,  that  I  must  be  a  holy  man.  That 
I  must  honor  my  office  as  a  minister  of  Christ. 
I  am  determined  to  husband  my  time  ;  to  use 
every  moment  that  I  can  command  in  pressing 
my  inquiries  after  truth.  I  see  a  beauty,  glory, 
and  loveliness  in  truth  that  perfectly  enamours 
my  soul.  I  can  truly  say,  I  rejoice  over  it 
more  than  he  that  taketh  great  spoil.  It  is 
now  between  ten  and  eleven  A.  M.,  and  in  tlie 
course  of  an  hour  we  shall  be  pursuing  our 

journey.     Brother  W and   his  wife  will 

accompany  us  to  Troy. 


FAITH    AND   WORKS.  Iu7 

"(D.  V.)  you  Hhull  hear  IVuin  mc  agtiia 
anon." 

"  Packefhyat^  Aug.  '2^0th. — Owing  to  our 
state  of  healtli,  \vc  ct^ncluded  at  Schenectady 
to  take  tlie  canal  packet,  instead  of  jarring 
along  all  niglit  in  the  railroad  cars.  But  in 
doing  so  we  made  a  most  wretched  exchange. 
We  found  the  boat  crowded  inside  and  out; 
had  hardly  room  to  place  our  feet,  much  less 
to  sit  down,  all  of  us  at  a  time.  Tliey  made 
up  no  bertiis.  S was  u])  all  night.  I  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  a  berth  of  one  of  the  hands 
of  the  boat.  Tliey  have  just  invited  me  to 
preach  on  the  boat ;  if  I  can  command  the 
time  after  that  service,  I  will  wj-ite  more. 

"  ^\st. — Hotel  Onsl'cmy. — Last  evening  we 
stopped  here  and  hired  a  carriage  to  go  one  a 
few  miles  to  visit  a  friend,  who  we  found  was 
absent  from  home.  We  were  much  disap- 
pointed ;  but  returned  immediately  here  and 
spent  the  night,  and  expect  soon  to  be  on  our 
way  again.  The  Lord  iiad  some  other  woik 
for  us  to  do  to-day,  and  before  night  we  may 
understand  tlie  cause  of  our  disappointment. 
We  hope  to  be  in  Oswego  Friday  evening,  and 
spend  the  25th,  tlie  Sabbath,  in  Buflalo.  And 
1  hope  to  return  after  my  northern  tour,  {Deo 
12* 


138  EDWARD   WEED. 

volente^  the  5tli  or  Gt.k  of  September  to  Whites- 
town.  But  I  must  close.  May  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  fill  your  heart." 

Mr,  AYeed  returned  to  TVhitestown  at  the 
time  he  anticipated,  and  the  9th  of  September 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Porter,  a 
young  lady  who  was  an  intimate  friend  of  his 
first  wife  before  her  marriage,  and  with  whom 
he  became  acquainted  while  she  was,  for  a  sea- 
son, engaged  in  teaching  in  their  boarding- 
school  in  Mount  Yernon.  About  the  middle 
of  September  he  returned  with  his  wife  to 
Brooklyn,  and  with  strength  renewed  from  the 
relaxation  he  had  enjoyed  in  his  tour,  he  en- 
gaged in  his  duties  as  a  pastor. 

Sometime  later  in  the  autumn  he  had  an  at- 
tack of  influenza,  inducing  a  distressing  cough, 
which  lasted  some  weeks;  and  for  the  first 
time  since  he  began  to  preach,  he  was  obliged 
on  account  of  illness  to  employ  some  one  to 
supply  his  place  in  the  pulpit. 

In  February,  1845,  at  the  earnest  solicita- 
tion of  the  church  at  Long  Ridge,  Conn.,  he 
spent  a  week  or  two  in  laboring  in  a  protracted 
meeting  there.  Though  the  presence  of  the 
Lord  was  graciously  manifest  in  this  meeting, 
it  was  not  attended  with  the  power  that  was 
Been  and  felt  in  the  one  he  labored  in  there 


FAITH   AJSfD   WORKS.  139 

two  years  before.  The  result  of  his  labors  at 
this  time  are  mentioned  in  letters  written  dur- 
ing the  time  of  the  meeting. 

"  Long  Ridge,  Feb.  ^Zcl,  1S45. 
"  My  Dp:ae  Wifk  : — It  is  Sabbath  evening 
between  ten  and  eleven  o'clock.  I  have 
preached  twice  to-day,  and  attended  a  prayer- 
meeting  during  the  evening.  Since  I  came 
here  I  have  preached  eleven  sermons.  My 
health  is  improving,  my  cough  not  so  bad  as 
when  I  left  home.  As  to  the  meeting,  I  will 
state  the  difficulties  and  the  favorable  things. 
The  travelling  has  been  exceedingly  bad  ever 
since  I  have  been  here.  Many  of  the  people 
are  suffering  under  severe  colds.  One  of  the 
most  active,  zealous  men  in  the  church,  lies  at 
the  point  of  death,  and  his  family  all  sick  with 
the  measles.  In  a  neighboring  parish,  (North 
Stamford,)  they  have  a  protracted  meeting  in 
progress,  Rev.  Mr.  B ,  of  New  York,  assist- 
ing, which  takes  away  some  of  the  lay  help 
expected  at  this  meeting.  There  are  not  more 
than  three  or  four  males  that  can  take  an  ac- 
tive part,  consequently  there  are  but  few  to 
engage  in  efficient  labor.  Now  the  favorable 
things.  The  Lord  is  with  me,  and  enables  me 
to  preach  his  word  with  imction  and  power. 
The   truth    has  evidently   taken   hold    of  the 


140  EDWARD   WEKD. 

chnrcli  raid  the  impenitent.  Every  successive 
meetiiii^  luis  increased  in  numbers  and  interest 
until  to-drty,  the  severe  rain  has  kept  many  at 
liome.  Our  meetings  were  notwithstanding 
exceedingly  solemn  and  impressive.  Some 
are  awakened,  and  three  have  told  me  that 
their  miiuls  were  fully  made  up  to  serve  the 
Lord.  Others  are  more  or  less  im{)ressed  with 
the  truth.  I  expect  to  remain  until  Friday 
morning,  and  then  return  home,  unless  there 
should  be  special  indications  making  it  duty 
to  stay.  I  feel  anxious  to  hear  from  you,  and 
more  so  to  see  you.  I  love  my  family  ten- 
derly, and  the  nearer  my  heart  gets  to  the 
Lord  the  more  it  clusters  about-  them.  My 
congregation  also  lies  with   weight  upon   my 

heart.     Pray  for  me.     Give  my  love  to  C 

and  M ,  and  little  B ." 

"  Long  Ridgk,  Feb.  ^e^fh. 
"  I  have  just  received  your  very  precious  let- 
ter. It  did  me  great  srood.  Since  the  Sabbath 
our  meetings  have  been  increasing  in  numbers 
and  interest.  This  evening  we  have  had  a  full 
assembly  and  very  great  solemnity.  The  Spirit 
of  the  Lord  was  present,  and  a  deep  impression 
was  made.  There  is  great  reluctance  to  have  me 
leave  at  present.  It  seems  to  me  now  to  be  duty 
to  stay  over   the  Sabbath,  and  follow  up  the 


FAITH   AND  WOKKS.  141 

impression  already  made.  My  strength  liulds 
out.  My  cough  is  much  better.  This  morn- 
ing I  had  no  coughing  turn,  and  have  not  had 
any  during  the  day.     I  shall  write  to  Brother 

C about  my  staying.     I  may  be  home  on 

Saturday  evening,  and  I  may  not  until  Friday 
week.  I  have  not  time  to  tell  you  my  experi- 
ence since  I  have  been  here.  I  have  had 
some  blessed  seasons  of  communion  with  God, 
and  I  rejoice  that  you  enjoy  so  much  peace. 
Be  assured  you  live  in  the  innermost  temple 
of  my  heart.     Love  to  dear  little  Benny." 

After  Mr.  Weed's  return  to  Brooklyn  he 
continued  his  unremitting  labors  in  his  own 
parish  until  the  first  of  May,  a  year  and  three 
months  from  the  time  he  came  there ;  when, 
at  his  own  request,  he  was  dismissed  from  his 
pastoral  charge.  lie  was  led  to  make  this  re- 
quest from  the  evident  manifestation  of  cold^ 
ness  and  want  of  co-operation  on  the  part  of 
some  of  the  leading  men,  who  at  the  time  of 
his  leaving  Paterson  were  the  most  earnest  in 
persuading  him  that  this,  of  all  others,  was  the 
place  for  him  to  do  good  ;  and  he,  of  all  others, 
was  the  man  to  do  it.  The  mass  of  the  church 
and  congregation  desired  him  to  continue 
among  them  as  their  pastor.  Of  these  he 
made  the  earnest  request  that  for  his  sake  thej 


142  EDWARD   WEED. 

would  vote  for  his  dismission.  And  on  the 
following  Sabbath  he  preached  his  farewell 
sernion.  lie  left  amid  the  regrets  of  many, 
who  felt  that  they  had  been  edified  and  built 
up  under  his  preaching,  and  others  who, 
through  his  instrumentality,  had  passed  from 
death  to  life,  and  were  now  rejoicing  in  hope 
of  the  glory  of  God. 


CHAPTER  Xni. 

RETURN   TO   PATERSON LETTERS — TEMPERANCE. 

The  church  in  Paterson,  who  parted  with 
Mr.  Weed  when  he  went  to  Brooklyn,  with 
great  reluctance,  were  now  left  without  a  min- 
ister, in  a  very  depressed  state,  and  almost 
ready  to  sell  their  church  and  give  up  their 
organization.  But  they  turned  to  Mr.  TTeed 
with  new  hope,  unanimously  soliciting  liim 
to  become  their  pastor  again.  He  accej^ted 
their  invitation,  and  after  an  absence  of  fifteen 
months  was  happily  settled  again  with  his  for- 
mer charge.  In  a  letter  to  a  brother  he  speaks 
of  all  these  changes  as  from  the  good  hand  of 
God. 

"Pateeson,  June  Wth^  1845. 

"  Dear  Brother  : — You  have  just  cause  to 
complain  of  our  neglect,  until  you  hear  of  our 
excuse.    It  is  now  almost  three  months  since 


14i  EDWAUn   WEED. 

we  were  at  your  liouse.  It  does  not  seem  as 
tlioui^li  it  could  be  so  lon_<;.  The  older  we 
grow  the  more  rapidly  does  time  fly.  Since 
our  return  it  has  Leen  one  continued  series  of 
revolutions  with  us.  Our  leaving  Brooklyn 
M-as  sudden  and  unexpected  to  us,  and  brought 
about  by  means  entirely  above  us,  and  beyond 
our  control.  The  hand  of  the  Lord,  I  doubt 
not,  has  been  in  it  all,  guiding  and  directing 
in  his  infinite  wisdom  and  love.  We  are  now 
happily  settled  among  my  former  people  in 
this  place.  The  church  was  abiiost  run  down, 
and  just  ready  to  give  up  the  gliost,  but  my 
coming  among  them  has  inspirited  them  again. 
The  congregation  has  at  once  filled  up,  and 
M'hat  is  most  and  best  of  all,  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  seems  to  be  among  them.  Some  have 
already  been  healed  of  their  backslidings,  and 
the  Spirit  is  moving  upon  others.  My  own 
soul  is  greatly  stirred  up.  The  Lord  is  trying 
to  do  a  great  work  upon  my  heart,  and  if  I  do 
not  resist,  it  will  be  accomplished.  I  trust  I 
shall  not.  O,  my  brother,  liow  miwh  it  tneans 
to  1)0  holy.  To  he  dead  to  self^  to  the  world, 
and  fully  alive  to  God.  How  vast  the  differ- 
ence in  being  moved  by  the  Sjiirit  and  grace 
of  God  in  all  that  we  do,  instead  of  the  im- 
pulses of  our  nature,  and  the  dictates  of  our 
own  unaided  understandings.     In  one  word,  to 


FAITH    AND   WORKS.  145 

he^crelij  men  of  <irace,  instead  of  natural  men. 
This  is  a  subject  that  is  at  present  most  intense- 
ly occupying  my  mind.  I  am  searching  the 
Divine  record  to  ascertain  as  clearly  as  possible 
what  are  the  influences  of  the  Spirit,  and  tiieir 
precise  effects  upon  our  natural  faculties,  and 
jjowers,  and  actions,  which  all  Chi-istians  are 
warranted  in  expecting  and  enjoying,  and 
without  wliich  they  are  not  sons.  I  am  per- 
suaded here  is  a  field  of  investigation,  of  great 
practical  importance,  and  which  has  never 
been  fnlly  explored,  since  the  Apostolic  age. 
A  subject  which  the  ministry  and  the  church 
must  understand  clearly  and  practically  before 
we  can  advance  far  be3"ond  our  present  position. 
What  constitutes  true  spirituality  is  but  little 
understood  by  the  mass  of  professed  Christians. 
But  blessed  be  God,  the  attention  of  the  min- 
istry and  intelligent  laymen,  is  beginning  to 
be  powerfull}'  turned  to  this  point.  The  har- 
vest is  ripening — the  sickle  will  soon  be  thrust 
in,  and  glorious  sheaves  of  righteousness  will 
be  reaped.  I  do  not  believe  that  (xod  is  about 
to  abandon  this  country  to  the  devil.  To  give 
it  up  to  intemperance,  licentiousness.  Sabbath- 
breaking,  and  oppression.  No!  the  arm  of  his 
mercy  will  soon  be  stretched  out ;  the  power  of 
his  truth  and  Spirit  felt,  the  church  will  be 
purified  from  her  dross ;  and,  clad  in  her  robes 


14rG  EDWAKD   WEED, 

of  fine  linen,  will  sLine  forth  '  clear  as  the 
sun,  fair  as  the  moon,'  and  become  indeed, 
'  terrible  as  an  army  with  banners.'  Blessed 
Lord,  /lasten  the  da//. 

"  Wife    left   home    with    sister   L last 

Wednesday  for  W .     Both   of  them  were 

in  tolerably  good  health.  Jliey  probably 
reached  there  the  next  day,  as  they  intended 
to  go  through  by  the  railroad.  I  wish  much 
to  visit  j'ou  this  summer,  and  take  the  tour  we 
spoke  of;  but  whether  my  Heavenly  Father 
will  ffive  me  tbe  time  to  do  so  I  cannot  now 

tell.     Love  to  sister  P .     Let  me  hear  from 

you  soon." 

"  Patersox,  June  10th,  1845. 
"  My  Dear  AVife  : — It  is  now  Monday  mor- 
ning. After  leaving  you,  I  went  directly  over 
to  Brooklj'n — spent  the  night  at  brother 
T 's.  Mrs.  T and  the  babe  were  suf- 
fering from  severe  colds.     In  the  morning  I 

called  at  Capt.  K 's.     Poor  Sarah  has  gone 

home  to  Vermont,  very  sick.  Her  recovery  is 
very  doubtful.  If  I  could  tell  you  of  the  pros- 
perity of  the  little  church,  I  would  speak  of  it, 
I  am  afraid  we  have  not  prayed  enough  for 
tliem  ;  and  perhaps  somewhat  of  unhallowed 
bitterness   was  engendered   in   our  hearts  to- 


FAITII    AND   WOKKS.  147 

wards  some  of  tbein.  I  spent  most  of  the  day 
in  New  York, 

Yesterday  was  a  very  warm  day.  TJie  ther- 
mometer stoud  at  9-i  in  the  shade.  Notwith- 
standint;  this  we  had  a  full  house  and  good 
attention.  I  felt  unusual  strength  of  budy, 
and  to-day  feel  far  less  lassitude  than  is 
common  for  me  on  Mondays.  My  general 
health  seems  to  be  better  than  usual — I  feel 
my  heart  strongly  drawn  out  after  holiness.  It 
Beems  to  me  the  Lord  is  endeavoring  to  do  a 
deep  work  of  grace  in  me  ;  I  hope  I  shall  not 
hinder  it.  Pray  for  me  earnestly  and  continu- 
ally ;  Idesireto  be  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of 
God.  All  the  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ  must 
reach  this  point  before  salvation  will  flow  through 
our  instrumeutalit}'.  Be  assured  you  are  re- 
membered in  all  my  prayei's.  This  morning  I 
have  had  a  most  precious  time  in  studying  the 
sacred  oracles.  The  Lord  is  beginning  to  open 
my  eyes  to  see  some  of  the  exceeding  glory 
of  his  Word.  My  heart  has  been  this  morning 
like  a  gushing  fountain  ;  but  I  put  no  con- 
fidence in  emotions  and  clear  views  to  save  or 
deliver  from  sin.  They  are  often,  however, 
evixlence  of  progress  in  the  Divine  life.  My 
heart  is  drawn  out  for  entire  sanctification  for 
myself  and  you.  I  cannot  tell  you  how  I  long 
that  we  may  be  a  holy  couple ;  that  in  every 


148  EDWARD   WEKD. 

relation  of  life,  we  may  shpw  forth  the  pralso 
of  God  ;  that  the  whole  body  of  sin  may  he 
removed,  and  that  Christ  may  be  fully  and 
truly  put  on.  This  morning  I  have  been 
earnestly  studying  to  understand  the  distinc- 
tion between  the  servitude  of  the  old  dispensa- 
tion, and  the  Sonship  of  the  new  ;  so  often 
alluded  to  and  contrasted  by  the  New  Testa- 
ment writers.  I  think  I  have  got  a  tt)lerably 
clear  view  of  the  matter.  But  my  sheet  is  full, 
not  as  full,  however,  as  my  heart. 

"  Much  love  to  dear  L ;  she  has  been  so 

long  with  us  that  she  seems  like  a  sister  to  me, 
indeed.  Love  also  to  mother,  brother  D — ■ — 
and  wife.  Kiss  dear  Benny  for  me.  I  hope 
to  get  a  letter  this  week  from  you,  and  shall 
(D.  Y.)  leave  here  next  Monday." 

During  the  journey  alluded  to  in  the  last 
two  letters,  Mrs.  Weed  met  with  an  accident 
that  caused  her  a  long  and  dangerous  illness. 
When  she  left  home  she  had  not  recovered  her 
usual  strength,  after  ])rotracted  illness,  in  the 
form  of  intermitting  fever,  and  subsequently 
varioloid  ;  the  latter  greatly  endangering  her 
life.  To  Mr.  Weed's  mind,  these  afflictions 
manifested  only  new  tokens  of  the  loving  kind- 
ness of  his  heavenly  Father,  as  will  be  seen  by 
his  continued  letters. 


FAITU   AND   WORKS.  149 

Paterson,  Jime  \Mli^  1845. 

"  My  Dkar  Wikk  : — Both    your  letters,  by 

tlie  liaiid  of  sister  II ,  have  been  received. 

The  Lord  seems  to  be  rolling  one  wave  of 
affliction  uj^on  anuther  over  us.  I  begin  to 
think  he  has  taken  us  under  his  peculiar 
tuition,  and  is  about  to  prepai'c  us  to  do  a  great 
work  for  him.  All  these  things  are  w^tarjaiiiHt 
U6\  but  for  'US.  Tiiey  are  the  workings  of  that 
divine  band,  which  ever  ministers  good  to  the 
servants  of  the  Lord.  I  hope,  my  dear,,  you 
will  not  faint  under  these  chastisements  ;  but 
'say  to  your  soul,  'why  art  thou  disrpiieted 
within  me  ?  Hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  shall  yet 
praise  Him  for  the  help  of  His  countenance.' 
I  truly  sympathize  in  your  severe  trials,  and 
feel  sorry  that  so  great  a  bui'den  'is  thrown 
upon  your  friends  ;  not  that  I  tliink  that  they 
will  feel  it  a  burden.  The  Lord  willing,  I 
hope  to  be  with  you  by  Wednesday,  perhaps 
Tuesday  night.  I  am  doubtful  whether  this 
reaches  you  before  I  do,  and  I  consequently 
have  written  short." 

Mr.  Weed  hastened  to  his  wife,  remained 
with  her  until  she  was  convalescent,  then  left 
her  in  care  of  her  friends,  and  returned  to  his 
abundant  labors  among  his  people.  The  fol- 
lowing were  written  after  his  return. 
13* 


150  EDWAKD   WEED. 

"Patebson,  Jane  30,  1845. 
"  ]\[y  Dear  Wife: — After  we  parted  I  had 
a  quick  passage  home,  and  found  all  things 
safe  and  well  here.  Since  I  left  you  the  image 
of  that  dear  little  babe  lias  been  constantly 
before  me  ;  but  I  suppose  while  I  am  writing 
its  tiny  body  is  sleeping  with  its  mother  earth. 
The  thought  fills  me  with  sadness,  but  I  look 
up  and  say,  "  Even  so.  Father;  for  so  it  seem- 
eth  good  in  thy  sight."  I  hope,  dear,  what- 
ever iias  been,  is,  or  shall  be,  the  dispensations 
of  Divine  Providence,  we  may  both  have  grace 
cheerfully  and  meekly  to  say,  "Thy  will  be 
done."  After  getting  home  I  prepared  two 
sermons,  and  preached  them  to  my  people  yes- 
terday. Though  the  day  was  stormy  we  had 
a  good  congregation,  and  the  Lord  assisted  me 
to  preach  his  Word.  It  was  a  good  day  to  my 
soul.  I  trust  the  Lord  intends  to  do  a  good 
work  through  me  among  this  people.  Since 
my  return  my  health  has  been  remarkably 
good,  and  my  soul  in  a  continual  gh)w  in  view 
of  Divine  truth.  I  long,  I  pant  to  fathom  the 
depths  of  holiness  and  the  truths  of  religion. 
To-day  I  have  been  out  visiting  among  the 
people.  What  a  work  needs  to  be  done  in  this 
place !  I  wish  I  could  paint  to  you  two  of  the 
scenes  I  have  witnessed  to-day,  but  I  must  not 
attempt  it.    This  week  the  temperance  people 


FAITH    AND   WOKKS.  151 

are  bolding  a  protracted  temperance  meeting; 
that  is,  thej  are  to  have  meetings  every  even- 
ing during  tlie  week,  passing  round  in  succes- 
sion to  the  various  houses  of  public  worship. 
The  bells  are  now  striking  eight,  and  I  must 
away  to  the  meeting. 

"I  have  just  returned  from  the  meeting.  It 
was  held  in  the  churcli  in  Prospect  street.  The 
house  was  full ;  we  had  an  enthusiastic  meet- 
ing, and  I  think  a  first-rate  impulse  was  given 
to  the  cause.  I  hope  these  meetings  will  result 
in  much  good.     Drunkenness  is  empliatically 

the  sin  of  P .     Pray  earnestly  for  us.     I 

feel  that  I  have  a  great  work  to  do  for  my  God 
and  generation,  and  that  it  nmst  be  performed 
in  a  very  short  time.  If  no  accident  or  un- 
foreseen providence  should  occur  to  shorten  my 
life,  I  cannot  hoj)e  to  be  an  efficient  laborer 
more  than  some  tilteen  or  twenty  years  longer, 
and  how  soon  they  will  have  rolled  around.  I 
hope  the  Lord  will  richly  prepare  the  minds  of 
us  both  to  do  his  work.  "But  I  must  bid  you 
good  night,  and  close.  I  shall  have  no  time  to 
say  more  in  the  morning,  as  I  wish  to  put  this 
in  the  first  mail.  The  Lord  willing,  you  shall 
Lear  from  me  again  next  week. 

"Paterso^-,  e/i^/y  7,  1SL5. 
"  Youi'   letter    of   last    Monday  was    duly 


152  EDWARD   WEED. 

received.  The  intelligence  it  contained  of 
the  decease  of  our  dear  little  babe,  though 
not  unanticipated,  filled  me  with  sadness. 
My  heart  bleeds  over  the  spoils  death  has 
won.  Be  assured  that  you  have  my  warm- 
est and  most  tender  sympathies  in  all  your 
trials.  For  several  months  past  you  have  been 
called  to  pass  through  deep  waters.  I  am  re- 
joiced that  the  Lord  has  not  suffered  you  to 
sink  in  them.  Your  letter  did  me  much  good. 
I  hope  and  trust  that  the  Lord  will  fill  you  with 
the  consolations  of  his  spirit.  I  think  a  wide 
and  effectual  door  is  being  opened  up  here  for 
usefulness.     The  })ast  week  has   been  one  of 

great  interest  to   the  peoj)le  of    P -.     The 

temperance  meetings,  to  which  I  alluded  in  my 
last,  were  kept  up  during  the  entire  week  with 
great  and  increasing  interest.  A  mighty  im- 
pulse was  given  to  the  cause.  On  the  4tii  the 
Sabbath-schools,  in  concert,  formed  a  j^ruces- 
sion,  marched  to  the  beautiful  island  of  the 
Passaic,  and  there,  under  the  broad  canopy  of 
heaven,  shaded  b}^  the  branches  of  the  pine 
and  sycamore,  children,  ])arents,  and  citizens 
listened  to  appropriate  addresses.  This  passed, 
the  procession  formed  again,  left  the  island, 
when  the  schools  sej>arated,  and  went  each  to 
their  respective  churches,  where  refreshments 
had  been  provided  for  them.      Li  the  P.  M. 


I-'AII'II    AND    WOWKS.  153 

the  Temperance  Society  and  citizens  met  on 
the  island.  An  immense  concourse  of  people 
were  present.  The  addresses  were  good,  and 
also  the  other  exercises.  In  the  evening  the 
large  Methodist  church  was  lilled,  and  temper- 
ance addresses  were  delivered  and  odes  sung. 
On  Saturday  temperance  meetings  were  held 
all  day  on  the  island,  and  in  the  evening  at 
their  hall.  Yesterday  P.  M.  at  6  o'clock 
another  meeting  was  held  on  the  island,  and  I 
presume  three  thousand  persons  were  present. 
About  one  hundred  signed  the  pledge.  At 
eight  they  met  in  our  church.  The  house  was 
filled  to  overflowing.  Mr.  Edmonds,  from 
New  York,  addressed  the  audience;  an  excel- 
lent impression  was  made.  During  the  day  our 
communion  season  occurred ;  we  had  a  precious 
time.  The  Lord  was  truly  in  our  midst. 
Three  united  with  the  church  on  profession. 
Thus  I  have  given  you  a  very  brief  and  meagre 
account  of  the  public  exercises  of  the  week. 
That  my  hands,  head  and  heart  have  been  fully 
employed  you  will  not  doubt.  But,  notwith- 
standing all,  my  health  is  good,  and  I  feel  less 
Mondayish  to-day  than  usual.  You  undoubt- 
edly think  of  me,  alone  in  this  large  house, 
and  feel  to  compassionate  my  case.  Well,  it 
would  add  greatly  to  my  happiness  to  have  my 
familj  with  me.      I  am  anxious  you  should 


15A  EDWAIiD   AVEED. 

return  as  soon  as  it  will  be  prudent  and  safe. 
I  do  not  wish  you  to  run  an}-  risk.  Give  mj 
warmest  love  to  all  the  friends.     Adieu." 

Occasi(jnaliDxtracts  of  letters  is  all  the  writ- 
ten record  we  have  of  Mr.  AVeed's  labors  for  a 
year  or  more  after  the  date  of  the  above.  But 
many  living  witnesses  there  are  who  can  testify 
that  he  was  never  idle,  but  was  always  press- 
ing forward  ;  every  moment  occupied  in  im- 
proving his  own  mind,  or  in  some  labor  of  love 
fur  the  good  of  others.  He  was  found  daily  at 
the  bedside  of  the  sick ;  often  visiting  the  im- 
penitent, and  inviting  them  to  the  fountain  of 
living  waters ;  speaking  words  of  comfort  to 
the  aiflicted  and  sorrowing;  and  mimrlino^  his 
rejoicings  with  those  that  rejoice.  AVhile  he 
uniformly  spent  his  mornings  in  his  study,  he 
as  scrupulously  spent  the  afternoon  in  pastoral 
visiting ;  and  he  was  never  known  to  stay  at 
home  because  of  the  weather,  if  it  was  ever  so 
inclement.  In  a  little  book,  in  which  he  re- 
corded the  dates  and  names  of  those  visited, 
there  is  an  average  of  from  twenty  to  thirty 
families  visited  weekly  for  months  together, 
lie  studied,  not  merely  to  pre})are  a  sermon 
because  he  must  have  onefortlie  next  Sabbath, 
but  he  studied  to  gain  a  knowledije  of  the 
truth,  that  he  might  be  a  stronger  man,  and  a 


FAITU    AND   WOItlvS.  155 

better  r  ^an  for  yeare  to  come  ;  and  out  of  liis 
storehouse,  thus  treasured,  be  able  to  bring 
things  new  and  old,  as  they  were  needed.  Ilud 
lie  indulged  in  necessary  relaxation,  he  would 
probably  have  lived  longer ;  and  while  he  was 
often  chiding  himself  because  he  did  not  ac- 
complish more,  as  he  looked  around  on  the 
fields  "  white  for  the  harvest;"  others  saw  that 
lie  was  fast  using  up  those  physical  powers  that 
so  early  found  the  quiet  and  rest  of  the  grave. 
In  March,  1846,  he  writes  to  a  brother  min- 
ister, "  At  present  we  are  in  very  prosperous 
pleasant  circumstances.  The  Lord  is  pouring 
his  blessing  upon  us,  in  the  conversion  ()t'  souls. 
Last  Sabbath  fifteen  were  admitted  to  our  com- 
munion. Others  are  indulging  hopes,  and  others 
still  are  under  conviction.  My  hands,  head, 
and    heart,  are   constantly   employed." 

And  again  to  the  same  : 

"Pateksojt,  June  llt/i,  184:6. 

*'Dear  Brothek  F : — ^This  morninor  wife 

has  reminded  me  of  the  promise  I  made  when 
you  were  here,  of  a  long  letter.  I  presume 
you  are  busily  engaged  examining  the  stores 
of  knowledge  purchased  on  your  recent  visit  to 
our  great  metropolis.  Certain  I  am  that  you 
selected    books,    the    contents    of    which    if 


156  EDWARD    WKED. 

thoroughly  digested,  are  adapted  to  enrich  and 
inform  the  mind,  and  to^elevate  and  purity  the 
heart.  Many  a  rich  feast  undoubtedly  you 
have  had  from  them,  and  richer  repasts  are 
probably  in  store  for  you.  My  own  progress, 
I  iind,  depends  more  upon  my  private  studies 
and  thoughts  than  all  things  else  put  together. 

"In  secret  silence  of  the  mind, 
My  licaveu  and  there  my  God  I  find." 

My  progress  since  you  were  here  has  been 
rather  slow.  The  ship  makes  but  a  few  knots 
an  hour.  I  am  now  sailing  along  before  rather 
a  dull  and  gentle  breeze.  Have  you  read  the 
slavery  discussion  in  the  ISTew  School  Assem- 
bly? It  is  exceedingly  important,  and  in- 
teresting in  one  point  of  view.  It  gives  us  the 
moral  map  of  our  whole  counti-y  upon  the  sub- 
ject;  and  that  map  shows  that  the  nation  and 
church  have  been,  and  are  now,  making  pro- 
gress upon  the  subject.  I  still  believe  that 
trutii  and  righteousness  are  yet  to  triumph 
gloriously  in  our  country,  the  Mexican  war 
notwithstanding.  The  temperance  triumph  in 
New  York  State  is  another  omen  for  good. 
'The  Lord  reigns,  let  the  earth  rejoice.'  Per- 
haps I  may  find  my  way  up  into  your  parish 
next  month.     I  am  anxious  to  visit  the  coal  re- 


FAmr    ANT>    WORKS,  15T 

gions  of  Pennsylvania.  Should  I  go,  will  it  l)o 
consistent  for  you  to  make  the  excursion  with 
me?  Let  us  hear  from  you  soon.  Our  Heav- 
enly Father  blessed  us  with  the  gift  of  a  pro- 
mising, healthy  little  son,  on  the  5th  instant. 
Mother  is  still  with  ns,  and  doing  much  to 
make  everything  comfortable  and  agreeable. 
She  will  probably  remain  with  us  until  the  first 
of  next  month.     All  join  in  love  to  you,  your 

wife,  and  little  L ,     Vale  Amice." 

"P.  S. — T brought  up  the  Daguerreo- 
type portrait.   Anna  exclaimed,  'Uncle  F !' 

and  the  rest  of  us  thought  it  a  striking  resem- 
blance of  the  bishop." 

Mr.  Weed  ever  remembered  the  interests  of 
the  poor  slave,  and  always  hailed  with  joy  any 
movement  that  brightened  the  prospect  that 
the  day  of  his  redemption  from  bondage  was 
drawing  nigh  ;  and  he  was  always  ready  to 
lend  a  helping  hand  to  hasten  the  time  of  their 
deliverance,  or  soften  the  rigor  of  their  chains. 
He  considered  the  publishing  of  the  National 
F.ra  at  Washington  as  a  token  for  good,  and 
s}>ent  several  weeks  in  Xew  Jersey  in  solicit- 
ing subscribers.  A  letter,  writtcTi  while  absent 
on  this  tour,  alludes  to  his  success. 


158  EDWAED   WEED. 

SwEEDKSBORo,  Dcc.  Z\st^  1846. 
"  My  Dear  Wife  : — It  is  now  plain  to  me 
that  it  will  be  impossible  to  do  up  my  work  in 
this  part  of  the  state  and  get  home  this  week. 

I  have  eni^aj^cd  Bi other  AV to  6n})ply  the 

pulpit  on  the  coming  Sabbath.  lie  will  pro- 
bably arrive  in  Saturday's  two  o'clock  train. 
Ask  him  to  attend  the  session  meeting  on  Satur- 
day evening  at  8  o'clock  in  the  session  room. 

Get  Brother  C to  go  with  him.   I  expect  now 

to  be  home  next  Wednesday  P.  M.,  so  as  to 
attend  the  Bible  class  in  the  evening.  My 
journey,  thus  far,  has  been  a  prosperous  one. 
Everything  has  muvcd  on  as  happil}  as  I  could 
wish.  I  meet  everywhere  with  a  warm  and 
hearty  reception  by  the  friends  of  the  cause, 
have  collected  nearly  $100,  and  expect  to  get  an 
hundred  more  before  I  return.  1  think  of  you 
and  our  dear  little  boys  every  hour  in  the  da}'. 
May  the  Lord  bless  and  enrich  your  heart  with 
his  precious  grace,  and  strengthen  you  in  every 
good  word  and  work.  Father  I  suppose  is 
Some  lonesome.  Ilemember  my  love  to  him. 
I  trust  the  Lord  will  restore  me  in  due  season, 
safe  and  well  to  vou." 


CHAPTER  XIY. 

EXTRACTS   FROM   LETTERS    AND   DIARY. 

"  Paterson,  July  2l5-^,  1847. 
"  My  Dear  "Wifk  : — My  first  letter  was 
written  and  sent  off  in  great  haste.  My  object 
in  sending  it  in  such  a  hurry  was  that  you 
might  get  it  by  Saturday.  Since  I  wrote  my 
health  is  greatly  improved.  On  the  Sabbath  I 
preached  only  once.  The  Doctor  preached  for 
me  in  the  P.  M.  This  week  I  have  felt  un- 
usually well.  Though  it  has  been  excessively 
warm,  my  mind  and  body  have  acted  their 
part  vigorously.  My  heart  is  all  astir.  I  am 
blessed  in  calling  upon  the  Lord,  and  rolling 
all  my  burdens  and  cares  upon  him.  There  is 
fatal  sickness  among  the  children  here.     Last 

Sabbath  we  deposited  the  remains  of  J.  J 's 

little  babe  in  the  grave  with  its  mother ;  and 
the  Sabbath  before  we  performed  the  same 
office  for  Mr.  T 's  infant  daughter,  whose 


160  KDWA^RD    WEKD. 

mother  died,  you  will  recollect,  about  the  time 

with  Mrs.  J :     And  yesterday  I  attended 

the  funeral  of  Mr.   M 's   babe;    all    died 

with  cholera  infantum.  I  am  afraid  little  Eddy 
will  furget  me.  May  your  life  and  his  be  pre- 
cious iu  the  sight  of  the  Lord." 

"  New  Foundland,  August  25th. 
"  My  Dkar  Father: — Your  letter  was  duly 
received.     I  was  glad  to  hear  from  you  and 

Brother  H and  family.     Wife  and  baby 

are  still  at  her  mother's  in  W .     I  expect  to 

go  up  there  with  B next  week.     We  shall 

expect  to  return  next  month,  and  shall  be 
ready  to  receive  you  ;  shall  have  a  snug,  warm 
little  room  for  you.  My  health  is  good,  though 
I  am  somewhat  worn  down  with  over-labor, 
and  have  come  up  into  this  hilly  region  to  re- 
cruit. Where  I  am  now  writing  is  about  2,000 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  It  is  a  beauti- 
ful, highly  cultivated  country.  The  mountain 
ranges  circle  about  us  in  every  direction,  inter- 
spersed with  fertile  vales  and  beautiful  lakes. 
All  well  and  prosperous  at  B .  Fray  earn- 
estly for  your  minister;  pracfice  all  the  good 
he  |)reaches,  and  let  the  bad  take  care  of  itself, 
and  you  will  get  along  M-ell.  If  all  Christians 
would  do  ti)is  they  would  soon  have  better 
times,  and  their  ministers  would  improve." 


FAITH   Ami   WORKS.  161 

"  rATI.:RSON,   (kf.  itJt. 

"  Dear  Fatiocr  : — We  have  a  little  room 
fitted  up  on  purpose  for  you  and  exi)cct  you  to 
couie.  We  do  not  feel  it  a  burden  to  have 
you  with  us,  or  to  exert  ourselves  to  make  you 
comfortable.  We  are  all  as  well  and  prosper- 
ous as  usual.  I  fintl  an  abundance  to  do. 
Enough  to  use  me  up  every  day.  The  Lord 
is  moving  in  various  ways  among  the  peo- 
ple. We  are  expecting  great  things  here  this 
fall   and   winter.     Fray   for   us.     All   join    in 

love  to  you,  and  Brother  and   Sister   H 

and  L ." 

The  following  letter  was  addressed  to  a  dear 
brother,  just  after  he  was  licensed  to  preach  : 

''  Patkrson,  August  10th,  1847. 
"  DiiAB  Brother  :— Your  letter  was  received 
yesterday.  I  hud  begun  to  wonder  what  you 
were  doing,  and  was  fearful  you  might  be  sick. 
It  affords  me  great  satisfaction  to  learn  that 
your  health  is  improving,  and  I  lio]ie  from  this 
moment  forward  you  will  keep  the  sti-ictest 
viii'ils  over  it.  Good  health  is  amoiiij;  tiie  most 
precious  of  earthly  blessings.  I  cannot  tell 
j'ou,  my  brother,  how  my  heart  has  recently 
yearned  over  you.  I  desire  to  see  you  an  effi- 
cient  minister   of  Jesus  Christ ;   a  workman 


162  EDWARD   WEED. 

that  nocdetli  not  to  be  ashamed  ;  a  polished 
instruniont  in  the  hands  of  jour  God.  ]3ut 
two  things  can  make  you  such  an  one:  an  en- 
tire devutedness  to  your  Master,  and  a  clear 
and  full  knowledge  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in 
Christ.  The  attainment  of  the  one,  will  call 
for  the  higliest  and  strictest  discipline  of  the 
heart.  The  attainment  of  the  other,  the  de- 
velopment of  the  strongest  powers  of  the  intel- 
lect. Neither  will  be  accomplished  without 
much  prayer  and  divine  aid.  Permit  me  to 
suggest  two  things  as  landmarks  to  guide  you 
in  your  course.  One  is,  seek  not  3'our  own 
things,  but  the  things  of  Him  that  sent  you. 

" '  Is  there  ambition  in  my  heart  ? 
Search,  gracious  God,  and  see.' 

"  I  mean  in  listening  to  calls  to  go  here  or 
there.  Let  the  true  inquiry  before  your  mind 
be,  in  which  of  these  situations  can  I  be  most 
useful,  and  best  subserve  the  end  of  my  ministry  ? 
Not  what  will  most  advance  my  personal  in- 
terests. Alas !  how  many  are  using  the  min- 
istry as  a  mere  means  to  a  comfortable  and  a 
respectable  living.  And  what  is  their  influ- 
ence but  to  make  the  sacred  office  a  hissing 
and  a  by-word  ?  The  other  suggestion  is,  l)e 
not  a  mere  botanist,  or  even  a  gardener  on  the 
field  of  your  Lord.     Strive  to  bean  extensive 


FAITII    AOT)    WORKS.  163 

former,  bringing  into  the  heavenly  granary 
not  only  a  few  flowers  and  esculent  plants,  but 
a  plentiful  harvest  of  the  substantial  provisions 
of  lite.  Do  you  understand  me?  I  mean,  let 
your  sermons  be  full  of  truth,  of  deep  and  well- 
adjusted  thought,  rather  than  the  mere  tinsels 
and  flourishes  of  rhetoric.     My  own  health  is 

good.     I  expect  to  visit  "W the  first  week 

in  September  ;  may  go  as  far  as  M .     Tell 

the  whole  circle  of  friends  I  have  them  in 
everlasting  remembrance." 

''  Avgmt  10 fh,  1847. 

"  Dear  Brother  F : — Yours  and  L 's 

letter  was  received  yesterday.  I  hasten  to  re- 
ply.    No  one  is  at  home  with  me  but  B ; 

wife   and    little   Neddy    are    at    mother's    in 

W .     As  I  anticipated  spending  two  weeks 

of  September  there,  it  will  preclude  my  accept- 
ing your  very  attractive  proposition.  It  would 
not  do  for  me  to  be  away  from  my  people  four 
weeks  in  succession.  I  am  rejoiced  that  your 
attention  is  turned  to  the  close  and  critical 
study  of  the  Scriptures.  They  are  truly  the 
fountain  of  light.  All  other  books  are  but 
planetary  bodies,  refulgent  with  light,  only  as 
they  are  shone  upon  by  the  Bible.  One  of  the 
grand  causes  of  backsliding  and  lukewarmness, 
both  in  the  ministry  and  in  the  church,  at  the 


1Q4:  EDWARD    WEED. 

present  dav,  is,  that  tliere  is  so  little  zeal  and 
enthusiasni  in  the  study  of  the  Scriptures. 
The  raind  of  the  people  is  diverted,  absorbed, 
and,  I  had  almost  said,  entirely  engrossed  by 
the  njultij)licity  of  other  books.  Why,  placed 
as  I  am,  near  the  teeming,  prolific  press,  a 
man  needs  an  iron  will  to  study  the  Bible  sys- 
tematically and  thoroughly;  he  must  be  con- 
stantly on  his  watch-tower.  Christ's  gos})el  is 
not  known,  and  consequently  its  power  is  not 
felt.  O  for  a  ministry  that  will  devote  them- 
selves to  the  study  of  the  religion  of  Jesus 
Christ,  with  an  earnestness  and  laborious  per- 
severance that  characterizes  the  devotees  of 
science  and  literature !  Plad  we  such  a  minis- 
try, their  influence  would  thrill  through  the 
nation.  How  little  Imhig  faith  is  there  in 
God's  word!  The  power  of  its  excellency  is 
neither  seen  nor  felt.  Adhere,  then,  my  bro- 
tlier,  to  3'our  resolution.  Study  the  Uible  care- 
fully, selfdistrustingly,  and  reverently;  be- 
lieving and  feeling  it  to  be  God's  pure,  una- 
dulterated word.  You  shall  be  a  man  of  God, 
thoroughly  furnished  unto  every  good  work. 
You  speak  of  helps  in  the  New  Testament. 
You  have  Dr.  Bhtomfield.  So  far  as  gram- 
matical criticism  is  concerned  it  is  invalnable. 
It,  together  with  Robinson's  and  Donnegau's 
Lexicons,  and  Stewart's  Greek  Grammar  of  the 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  165 

New  Testament,  (recent  edition,)  you  will  have 
all  the  helps  necessary.  Wife's  health  re- 
mains delicate.  Our  little  boys  are  well.  My 
own  health  is  as  good  as  usual.  Wiiy  do  you 
not  write  ofteuer  ?  Love,  in  abundance,  to 
you  both." 

"Paterson,  Feb.  3c/,  1848. 
"  Dear  Brother  : — AVe  were  much  gratified 
with  the  receipt  and  contents  of  your  letter, 
and  had  all  things  made  it  right  and  practica- 
ble, we  should  have  been  exceedingly  happy  to 
have  carried  out  your  plan  ;  but  circumstanced 
as  we  are  it  could  not  be  dune.  It  is  my  most 
busy  season  of  the  year;  the  time,  of  all 
others,  when  I  am  called  upon  to  exert  my  ut- 
most energies.  The  Lord  is  moving  by  his 
Spirit  upon  the  hearts  of  his  people.  There 
are  some  twenty  inquirers  in  my  congregation. 
"\Ve  are  hoping  for  a  great  and  good  work 
throughout  the  town.  AVe  have  just  closed  a 
Union  meeting  of  some  four  weeks.  '  Profes- 
sors have  been  quickened,  some  souls  con- 
verted, a  great  many  seriously  impressed. 
And  we  think,  the  influence  has  been  very 
happy  upon  the  community." 


166  KDWARD   WEED. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  DIARY. 

"  Ja/nuary  1st,  1848. — Spent  the  day  in  writ- 
ing a  sermon  on  Mark  x.  17:  'What  shall  I 
do  to  inherit  eternal   life  V     Visited   Brother 

W.   V .     In    the  evening  attended,  for  a 

little  while,  the  juvenile  concert ;  spent  the 
remainder  of  the  evening  with  my  family. 

"  2d. — Preached  in  the  morning  from  Mark 
X.  17.  P.  M.,  visited  the  Sabbath-school, 
and  administered  the  communion.  Evening, 
preached  at  the  Union  meeting,  in  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church,  from  1  Tim.  ii.  8.  Pe- 
turned  home,  and  read  to  my  family  part  of 
the  January  No.  of  the  Missionary  Herald. 

"  Sd. — Spent  a  season  in  devotional  exer- 
cises, according  to  my  usual  custom,  and  read 
a  few  pages  of  '  Neander's  Planting  and  Train- 
ing.'    Wrote   several    letters.     Attended    the 

ministers'  meeting  at  Pev.  Mr.  S 's,  where 

it  was  unanimously  agreed  to  commence  a 
Union  protracted  meeting  next  week.  This 
meeting  was  characterized  with  great  good 
feeling  and  harmony  of  views.  Made  several 
pastoral  visits,  and  in  the  evening  attended 
our  usual  Monday  evening  prayer-meeting. 
It  was  a  precious  meeting. 

"  ■ith. — Arose  early,  had  a  precious  season 
of  prayer.     Spent  the  A.  M.  in  reading  and 


FAITH   Aim   W0KK8.  1G7 

thinking  upon  evangelical  faith.  "Was  much 
refreshed  by  the  views  I  obtained.  P.  M., 
mamed  a  couple,  visited  several  families,  and 
wrote  a  letter  to  Dr.  B ,  of  Troy. 

"SifA. — Studied  critically  Matthew,  third 
chapter,  consulting  commentaries  and  the  ori- 
ginal. Yisited  five  or  six  families,  and  iu  the 
evening  attended  Bible  class. 

"  Qth. —  A^ttended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  S 's 

child.  Returned  home  and  spent  the  day  in 
studying  and  preparing  sermons.  In  the  even- 
ing attended  the  weekly  prayer-meeting. 

"  8^/i. — Spent  the  most  of  this  day  in  my 
study  in  preparing  a  sermon  on  Judges  v.  23. 
Yisited  the  sick.  Spent  the  evening  with  my 
family.  Received  calls  from  several  Christian 
friends,  part  of  whom  spent  the  evening  with 
us.     Had  a  very  agreeable  interview. 

"  9i7i. — Sahhath. — Preached  in  the  morning 
from  Judges  v.  23  ;  in  P.  M.  from  Jer.  xxix. 
13  ;  in  the  evening  I  listened  to  a  sermon  from 

Brother  D on   searching  the  Scriptures. 

All  the  exercises  of  the  day  were  profitable  to 
my  soul. 

"  lOi^A.— Wrote  to  Brother  W in  refer- 
ence   to    the   Siam    mission ;    to    Rev.    G.    C. 

S in  reference  to  the  county  temperance 

meeting.  Attended  the  minister's  prayer-meet- 
ing.    Wrote  a  short  article  ou  temperance  for 


168  EDWARD   WEED. 

the  'Intelligencer.'  Evening  attended  Union 
meeting. 

"  I'ith. — Spent  the  morning  in  study  and 
writing.  P.  M.  visited  several  families,  and 
took  tea  with  the  ladies  of  the  Sewing  Society. 

On  my  return  found  Brother  "W ,  of  N , 

at  my  house.  In  the  evening  preached  from 
lleb.  xii.  13.  A  full  attendance.  "Wife  was 
quite  sick  during  the  night. 

"  l^th. — Arose  fatigued  and  unrefreshed 
through  the  want  of  sleep.     Spent  a  little  time 

with  Brother  W- .     Visited  Brother  11 . 

Attended  minister's  prayer- meeting  at  11  A. 
M.  Came  home,  spent  a  season  in  devotion 
and  reviewing  my  sermon.  In  the  P.  M.  at- 
tended to  some  business  matters.  AVas  unable 
to  make  much  mental  exertion.  Attended 
Union  meeting  in  the  evening,  it  was  a  ])re- 
cinu8    meeting,   the    Lord    evidently   took  the 

lead.     Brotlier  II ] (reached  from  John  iii. 

14,  15.  Subject,  the  lifting  up  of  the  Son  of 
Man.     All  the  exercises  were  inipressive. 

"14^//-. — Spent  the  morning  in  study.  At- 
tended minister's  prayer-meeting — had  a  good 
meeting.  In  the  P.  M.  attended  the  funeral 
of  a  colored  child.  Two  women  called  upon 
me  under  deep  conviction,  desiring  conversa- 
tion  upon   the   subject   of  religion.     Brotlier 


FAITII   iLND   WORKS.  169 

G — ■ —  preached  in  the  evening.  Text  Horn, 
vii.  13;  subject,  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin. 

"15<A. — Spent  the  day  in  preparation  for 
tlie  Sabbatii.  In  the  evening  attended  the 
Bible  class ;  it  was  a  very  precious  season 
This  week  was  one  of  great  labor,  attended 
"with  anxiety,  naturally  growing  out  of  the  re- 
sponsibilities of  a  minister,  when  the  church 
are  putting  forth  special  efforts.  It  has  also 
been  a  week  of  deep  heart-searching  and  much 
l^rayer. 

"  16th. — Preached  in  the  morning,  with 
much  comfort,  from  Josh.  xxiv.  15,  middle 
clause.  In  the  P.  M.,  Heb.  x.  29.  Union 
meeting  at  Free  Ciiurch,  Brother  H — ■ — 
preached  ;  subject,  the  value  of  true  piety  over 
everything  else.  Text  Luke  x.  20.  After  ser- 
mon we  had  a  precious  prayer-meeting.  It 
was  a  good  Sabbath. 

"  17th. — Arose  refreshed.  Spent  the  morn- 
ing in  reviewing  a  sermon  to  preach  in  the 
evening.  The  minister's  prayer-meeting  was 
in   my  study.     It   was  a   precious,    profitable 

season.     Took  dinner  with  Brother  F .     In 

the  evening  preached  in  the  Baptist  church 
from  Ps.  Ivii.  7,  'My  heart  is  fixed,  O  God, 
my  heart  is  fixed  ;  I  will  sing  and  give  praise.' 

"  ISth. — Sufiered  Tuuch  from  ennui  brought 
on  by  over  labor.     Plad  a  precious  season  at 


170  EDWARD   WEED." 

the  prayer-meeting.     P.   M.  called  on  Sister 

I) to  express  my  sympatliy  M'itli  her  on 

the  death  of  her  sister;  made  four  other  pas- 
toral  visits.     Brother  S preached  at  the 

Union  meeting,  from  Acts  xxvi.  28.  The 
meeting  was  a  very  impressive  and  solemn 
one. 

"  19^/i. — Spent    the   morning    in   my  study. 

The  prayer-meeting  was   at  Brother  L 's, 

and  the  presence  of  the  Lord  was  manifestly 
with  us.  In  the  P.  M.  visited  three  families. 
The  evening  I  spent  at  home.  Wife  and  little 
Eddy  are  quite  sick. 

"  20th. — Accomplished  hut  little  through 
the  day.  Completed  my  sermon  on  Ps.  xxxii. 
6.  Made  three  visits  among  my  parishioners; 
and  in  the  evening  attended  meetins;  at  the 
Cross  street  church,  and  heard  an  impressive 

sermon,  by  Brother  G ,  from  Ps.  cxlii.  4, 

'  No  man  cares  for  my  soul.' 

"  2l5^. — ^This  morning  I  spent  in  my  study. 
At  eleven  the  minister's  prayer-meeting  was 
held  there.  It  was  a  season  of  great  refresh- 
ing.    P.  M.  called  on  Brother  T .     In  the 

evening  preached  from  Nch.  ii.  20.  Had 
freedom  in  the  exercise. 

"  22c?. — Spent  the  day  in  my  study.     In  the 

evening  called  on  Brother  C and  attended 

ray  Bible  class.     Some  fifty  were  present.     It 


FAITH    AND    WORKS.  171 

was  a  most  meltiiic^,  ]n'ccious  season.  Evi- 
dently, tlie  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  with  iis. 
Thid  week  has  been  one  of  great  labor,  fatigue, 
and  bodily  weariness  and  lassitude.  One,  too, 
in  which  the  Lord  has  searched  my  heart, 
shewn  me  the  weakness  of  my  faith,  the  feeble- 
ness of  my  spiritual  life,  and  how  ranch  I  need 
strengthening  in  every  Christian  grace.  May 
the  Lord  till  my  soul  with  all  the  fullness  of 
Christ. 

"236?. —  Sahhath. — This  morning  I  awoke  re- 
freshed and  invigorated.  This  I  consider  spe- 
cial grace — my  mind  in  a  heavenl}^  believing 
frame.  In  the  A.  M.  I  preached  from  Luke 
ii.  49,  to  a  large  and  attentive  congregation. 
The  truth  took  hold.  I  appointed  a  meeting 
of  inquiry  at  liaU-past  one.  Eight  dear  pre- 
cious youth  were  present.  I  had  with  them 
a  most  agreeable  season.  In  the  P.  M.  I 
preached  with  liberty  from  John  ix.  4.  Even- 
ing I^rother  L preached  in  First  Church, 

to  a  solemn  and  attentive  audience,  from  Rom. 
iii.  5. 

"  2A:th. — Spent  the  morning  out.  In  P.  M., 
at  four  o'clock  attended  a  prayer-meeting  of 
ministers  arid  officers  of  the  churches.  It  was 
a  precious  season.  God  was  in  our  midst.  In 
the  evening  Brother  G preached  in  Free 


172  EDWARD   "WEED. 

Churcli,  from  Ilosca  xi.  8.  Six  anxious  sin- 
uurs  presentod  tlieinselves  for  prayer. 

"  '2bth. — Spent  most  of  the  day  in  visiting 
among  m^-  people.  At  two  P.  M.  had  a  good 
season  at  the  prayer-meeting.  In  tiie  evening 
Brotlier  L preached  from  Jer.  xxiii.  5. 

"  26i^/<. — Spent  an  honr-and-a-half  in  my 
stud}''  in  tlie  murning,  and  the  remainder  of  the 
A.  ]V[.  in  visiting  the  anxious.  In  the  P.  M.  at- 
tended minister's  pi'ayer-meeting.  Spent  some 
time  in  calling  on  Christians,  and  took  tea 
with  the  sisters  at  the  Sewing  Society.  Ex- 
horted tliem  to  duty,  and  prayed  with  them. 
Left  tliem  all  bathed  in  tears.     In  the  evening 

Brother    L ■   preached    with    power   from 

John  viii.  24,     Four  new  cases  out  for  prayer. 

''  29^/i. — Spent  most  of  the  day  in  study. 
In  the  evening  married  a  couple,  and  attended 
my  Bible  class.  This  week,  most  of  the  time, 
I  have  been  greatly  burdened  for  this  town. 
My  own  heart  has  been  greatly  searched.  I 
see  and  feel  the  necessity  of  the  influence  of 
the  Divine  Spirit  in  the  heart  as  I  have  never 
before  realized  it.  It  is  only  as  we  liave  the 
Holy  Ghost  in  us  that  we  have  power  over 
self,  the  world,  and  Satan.  It  is  only  tJien^ 
1;<jo,  that  we  liave  power  with  God  and  man. 
The  ministry  and  church  will  never  understand 


FAITH    AND   WOKKS.  173 

the  power  of  godliness  until  they  understand 
what  it  is  to  be  ba]>tized  with  the  Iluly  Ghost. 

^^ZOth.—Sabl>ath.—VvQiiQ\\Qi\  A.  M.  to  a 
large  and  attentive  audience,  tVora  Heb.  iii.  2. 
At  half-past  one  P.  M.  had  a  prayer  and  in- 
quiry meeting;  fifteen  precious  youth  pre- 
sented themselves  as  inquirers.  The  Lord  was 
was  with  us.  Preached  P.  M.  from  Ps.  xxxii. 
5.  The  Lord  hel|»ed  me.  In  the  evening 
preached  at  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church, 
from  Phil.  iii.  7.  A  full  house  and  solemn  at- 
tention. After  sermon  an  interesting  prayer- 
meeting. 

"  Zlst. — Arose  refreshed.  A.  M.  wrote  sev- 
eral letters.  Ma^e  eleven  visits  among  my 
people,  and  in  the  evening  attended  a  prayer- 
meeting  of  my  own  congregation.  It  was  a 
precious  searching  time.  The  Lord  was  with 
us. 

"  Febrnary  Ad. — Spent  the  morninoj  in  study 
and  the  afternoon  in  visitino;.  Attended  the 
prayer-meeting  of  ministers  and  official  mem- 
bers of  the  churches.     Had  a  good  season.     In 

the  evening  Brother   L preached   in  the 

Baptist  Church  a  solemn,  impressive  discourse, 
from  Prov.  xi.  7.  Eleven  presented  them- 
selves for  praj^er. 

"  4^A. — Spent  the  morning  in  study.  At- 
tended the  prayer-meeting  at  11  at  Brother 


174  EDWARD   WEED. 

G 's.     P.  M.  visited  several  families.     In 

the  evening  attended  tlie  Union  meeting.  Bro- 
ther G preached  a  very  appropriate  and 

solenm  discourse  from  1  Cor.  xi.  28.  Tliis 
evening,  after  four  weeks'  continuance,  the 
Union  protracted  meeting  was  closed.  These 
meetings  have  evidently  been  crowned  with 
God's  blessing.  The  closing  meeting  was  a 
precious  melting  season. 

"5^7^. — Wrote  a  letter  this  morning  to  Bro- 
ther P ,  and  finished  my  preparations  for 

the  Sabbath.     Called  on  Brother  W ,  and 

in  the  evening  attended  the  session  meeting. 
This  week  has  been  one  of  arduous  labor  and 
spiritual  enjoyment. 

"  Qth. — SiiUbath. — Preached  in  the  morning 
from  Matt.  iil.  7.  In  the  P.  M.  eighteen  or 
twenty  were  present  at  the  inquiry  meeting  at 
half-past  one.  The  communion  season  was  an 
exceedingly  pleasant,  solemn,  spiritual  season. 
Called  on  sick  Mr.  B— — .     Married  a  couple. 

In  the  evening  Brother  H preached  in  the 

Free  Church.     A  large  audience. 

"  1th. — Arose  this  morning  much  debilita- 
ted. Visited  several  families.  Attended  the 
funeral  of  a  child.  Spent  the  P.  M.  with  com- 
pany at  home.  In  the  evening  conversed  with 
two  persons  under  deep  conviction. 

"  Wi. — Did  not  feel  able  to  do  much,  visited 


FAITH    AND    WORKS.  175 

some  amontij  mj  pco])le,  and  in  the  evening 
])i'eached  from  Acts  vii.  51,  in  the  Second 
Pi-esl)vterian  Church. 

"  9^A. — Spent  the  morning  in  stiidj'^;  the  P. 
M.  in  visiting  among  my  people.  Called  on 
some  of  the  youth  and  conversed  with  them  in 
reference  to  their  joining  the  Bible  class. 
Visited  the  Sewing  Society,  and  in  the  even- 
ing attended  the  Bible  class. 

"  11th. — Finished  my  preparation  for  the 
Sabbath.  Visited  five  families.  In  the  even- 
ing attended  a  precious  prayer-meeting  in  our 
Lecture  room.     Some  souls  were  converted. 

"  14:th. — Saturday,  spent  most  of  the  day 
in  visiting. 

'■'■  Sal/lath.— F reached  A.  M.  from  Lnke  xiv. 
IS ;  P.  M.  irom  1  Cor.  x.  31.  In  the  evening 
lieard  Rev.  I.  IST.  Prime  preach.  This  morning 
I  arose  in  better  health  than  nsual.  Had  a 
precious  season  of  communion  with  God  and 
meditatino;   on    his    word.      Received    a   visit 

from    cousin    J.    W and    E .      Went 

with  them  to  the  Falls  and  to  the  mills.  After 
they  left  visited  several  families,  and  in  the 
evening  went  to  the  inquiry  meeting.  Eleven 
were  present.  Had  a  precious  season  with 
them. 

"15z'/«. — Spent  the  morning  in  meditation 
aud  study.     Dined  with  Brother  F ,  made 


176  EDWAKD   WEED. 

some  calls,  and  returned  home  to  prepare  a 
sermon  to  preach  in  the  evening.  Preaclied 
in  the  Second  Churcli  trum  Matt,  xxiii.  37.  A 
good  audience  out  and  quite  a  number  of 
inquirers. 

"  l\}t7i. — Spent  tlie  morning  in  study  and 
part  of  the  P.  M.  Marie  several  visits.  Bap- 
tized tlie  child  of  S.  It .     In  the  evening 

attended  the  Bible  class.  This  M'eek,  in  all 
mv  hibor  and  toil,  the  Lord  has  been  with  me. 
Praised  be  his  name. 

"  2 OM..--^S't<JJaM.— Preached  in  the  A.  M. 
on  unbelief,  Mark  xvi.  16,  to  a  good  and  atten- 
tive congregation.  In  the  P.  M.  from  Mutt. 
V.  3.  In  the  evening  attended  the  Sabbath 
evening  Union  meeting  at  Manchester  in  Bro- 
ther D 's  church.     Brother  L preaclied 

an  impressive  sermon  upon  glorifying  Gud, 
from  1  Cor.  x.  31. 

"23J. — Spent  the  morning,  as  usual,  in  my 
study.  Had  a  very  vivid  view  of  the  sinner's 
danger,  and  the  immense  difhculties  in  the 
way  of  the  soul  being  saved.  Wrote  several 
letters.  Visited  several  families.  Went  to 
the  Sewing  Society  and  in  the  evening  heard 

Father    O preach    in   my   church.     Wife 

very  ill. 

"  24^A. — Arose  invigorated  with  balmy  sleep. 
Found  my  heart  ready  to  follow  aftei"  God,  his 


FAITU    AND    WOKKS.  177 

tion  of  the  day  in  prcpiuiiig  a  sermon  on  the 
perilous  condition  of  the  sinner. .  Attended  the 
l^rayer-nieetiiii;  at  four  P.  M.  A  goodly  num- 
ber present,  but  Christians  not  awake,  as  they 
should  be.  In  the  evening  attended  meeting 
in  my  own  church,  and  pi'eaciied  the  sermon 
mentioned  above.  A  solemn  and  attentive 
congregation,  and  the  Spirit  evidently  accom- 
panied the  truth. 

"  25tk. — Arose  this  morning  with  more  than 
usual  vigor.  Family  generally  well.  Wife 
much  better.  What  a  rich  blessing  is  health  ! 
1  feel  to  consecrate  myself  anew  to  the  work 
of  God. 

"  28th. — Have  been  greatly  oppressed  all 
the  day  from  ennui  occasioned  by  the  fatigue 
of  my  Sabbath  labors.  P.  M.  made  some 
visits.  Evening  attended  inquiry  meeting. 
Some  twenty  precious  youth  present.  It  was 
a  precious  meeting,  and  I  think  a  sealing 
time. 

"  March  4th. — Spent  most  of  the  day  in 
preparing  a  sermon.  Dr.  Bradley,  ^f  the 
Siam  mission,  came  to  spend  the  Sabbath  with 
me.  Attended  the  session  meeting  in  the 
evening.  Seven  were  examined  preparatory 
to  uniting  with  the  church.  They  gave  very 
good  evidence  of  a  saving  change.  The  week 
truth,  and  righteousness.     Spent  a  large  por- 


178  EDWAKD   WEED. 

lias  been  one  of  weariness,  still  I  have  liad 
many  precious  views  of  truth  and  my  Saviour. 
'"'' oth. — Sabhath. — Felt  more  strength  and 
health  than  I  anticipated.  My  stomach  was, 
however,  very  sore.  Brother  Bradley  preached 
for  me  in  the  morning.  I  was  much  inter- 
ested and  edified.  P.  M.  I  had  my  Bible 
class,  and  administered  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper.     Seven  united  with  the  church. 

In  the  evening  Dr.  B gave  an  interesting 

account  of  the  Siam  mission,  and  a  collection 
of  §13  was  taken  up. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

EXTRACT   FKOM    LETTERS    UP   TO    THE    TIME    OF  HIS 
PKOTRACTED    ILLNESS. 

"  Paterson,  March  IWi,  1848. 
"  Dear  Brother — Your  letter  has  been  duly- 
received.  It  affords  me  tlie  highest  pleasure 
to  hear  of  jour  success  and  prosperity.  You 
had  delaved  writino;  so  lone;,  that  I  began  to 
fear  that  things  might  be  going  wrong  wi»:h 
you.  As  you  j)ass  on  in  your  ministry, 
you  will  feel  more  and  more  the  need  of  God's 
spiritual  aid — of  that  holy  unction  spoken  of 
so  often,  and  with  so  much  enthusiasm,  by  the 
apostle  John.  Without  it,  our  ministrations 
are  comparatively  powerless.  We  mu.>t  not 
be  satistied  with  simply  gaining  the  esteem 
and  good  will  of  our  people.  We  must  lift 
our  prayers,  and  concentrate  all  our  energies 
for  their  conversion  and  growth  in  orrace. 
''He  that  xoinneth  souls  is  wise?  It  is  my 
prayer  that   God   may  make   your  ministry 


180  ED^VAKD    WKKD. 

abundantly  I'ruitful,  tu  the  praise  and  <^lory  of 
his  name.  The  i>ast  winter  has  been  to  me 
one  of  excessive  labor.  As  soon  as  we  got 
through  our  temijerance  enterprise,  we  com- 
menced a  union  effort  for  a  revival.  We  went 
from  church  to  church,  and  alternated  in  our 
preaching.  We  had  a  ministers'  prayer-meet- 
ing every  day.  Prayer  meeting  at  7  P.  M., 
preaching  at  8,  and  prayer  meeting  at  the 
close.  These  meetings  continued  four  weeks. 
They  were  attended  with  very  beneficial  ef- 
fects, but  not  with  the  power  we  had  antici- 
pated. Still,  a  goodly  number  were  converted, 
and  a  general  seriousness  distilled  over  the 
town. 

"  At  our  last  communion  seven  united  with 
the  church  on  profession,  and  quite  a  number 
more  are  indulging  hopes.  At  my  inquiry 
meeting,  last  Monday  eveniing,  nineteen  were 
present.  Our  union  meetings,  on  Sabbath 
evening,  are  kept  up  with  great  interest.  The 
Lord  is  evidently  with  us. 

"  As  I  expected,  our  license  law  has  all  gone 
by  the  board.  We  shall  not,  however,  let  the 
subject  sleep,  but  are  determined  to  agitate 
the  matter  more  thoroughly  than  ever.  Wife's 
health  remains  very  poor.  The  children  are  well. 
Benny  grows  like  a  '  weed.'  Eddy  is  healthy 
and  full  of  play  and  roguery.     Little  Albert  is 


FAITM    ANI»    WORKS.  ,181 

a  <j[iiict,  <;'(>(i(l  fcmiHTCil,  iiitelli<^eiit  (;]iil(l,  and 
grows  very  last.  Father  is  well,  iin])ruves 
very  fast  in  his  studies  and  theological  know- 
ledge, writes  sermons,  but  will  not  read  thera 
to  me  for  fear  I  may  laugli  at  them.  When 
lie  goes  to  M.  I  expect  he  will  be  willing  to 
preach  them.  My  own  health  is  good  at  pre- 
sent. I  feel  encouraged  in  my  work.  I  am 
aware  that  I  know  but  little  about  preaching, 
but  I  live  in  hope,  and  efforts  to  improve.  I 
have  preached  so  niucli  this  winter  that  it 
would  take  a  sheet,  almost,  to  give  you  an 
index  of  my  sermons." 

"  Hay  2d. 

"  Dfak  T :  I  have  been  expecting  to 

hear  from  you  ere  this.  I  suppose,  however, 
that  you  are  now  beginning  practically  to  un- 
derstand the  burdens  of  the  ministry,  and  feel 
the  weight  of  responsibility.  On  this  behalf 
1  have  one  thing  to  say  for  your  consolation. 
It  is,  as  you  grow  in  strength  and  influence, 
these  responsibilities  and  burdens  will  in- 
crease ;  and  that  if  you  would  be  abundantly 
useful,  you  must  neither  sigh  after  nor  expect 
any  resting  place  on  earth.  Poor  consolation 
this,  you  say.  IN^ot  so  bad  as  you  may  think. 
Our  aim  should  be,  work  !  work !  Our  prayer, 
for  grace  and  strength  equal  to  our  day. 
16 


IS'3    .  EDWARD   -VVEKD. 

'  Cast  thy  burden  upon  tlic  Lord,  and  he  will 
sustain  thee.'  All  unite  in  love  to  you,  L — ■ 
and  the  little  boys." 

"  Paterson,  July  3d. 

"Dear  Br.  T.  : — Your  letter  was  duly  re- 
ceived, and  also  father's,  lijiving  us  an  account 
of  his  safe  arrival  and  liis  pleasant  situation. 
Yesterday  I  laid  the  matter  before  my  church, 
of  my  being  absent  from  them  some  six  weeks. 
They  voted  unanimously  fo  let  me  go.  I  have 
made  an-angements  for  supplying  my  pulpit 
most  of  the  time — shall  before  leaving,  do  so 
for  the  whole  time.  We  are  now  expecting  to 
leave  Wednesday  or  Thursday  of  next  week. 
Sliall  spend  the  iirst  Sabbath  in  Troy,  on  Mon- 
day' go  on  to  "NVhitestown,  where  we  expect  to 
stay  until  the  latter  part  of  the  subsequent 
week,  which  will  bring  us  to  your  place  Fri- 
day or  Saturday  of  the  last  week  in  July. 

"During  the  last  week  we  have  had  a  most 
destructive  fire  in  our  town.  On  Tuesday 
morning  last,  about  two  o'clock,  the  Oldhorn 
works  took  fire.  In  a  few  minutes  that  im- 
mense building  was  all  in  flames.  The  wind 
blew  towards  the  Episcopal  church,  which, 
with  Congress  Hall,  the  upper  story  of  S. 
Pope's  large  brick  house,  and  the  engine 
house,  were  all  destroyed,  and  other  buildings 


FAITH    AJSI)   AVOKKS.  183 

were  more  or  less  injured,  Tlie  loss  of  p)ro- 
perty  will  probably  amount  to  some  $100,000. 
But  the  most  afflicting  of  all  is,  Mr.  Tl.  Smith, 
the  owner  of  the  flax  mill,  perished  in  the 
flames.  lie  was  in  the  Episcopal  church, 
helping  to  remove  the  organ,  when  the  Avail 
fell,  prostrating  him  and  enveloping  him  in 
the  flames.  Several  others  barely  escaped 
with  their  lives.  Thus  you  see,  '  in  the  midst 
of  life  we  are  in  death.' " 

"  Patekson,  Jvly  Wth. 

"DeakBko.  F :  Your  letter  was  received 

yesterday.  We  were  very  SLirry  to  hear  that 
your  health  was  so  precarious.  Do  not  you 
think  that  your  spinal  marrow  is  affected,  and 
that  it  would  be  well  to  take  a  course  of  treat- 
ment in  reference  to  that?  All  your  symp- 
toms, as  described  in  your  letters,  lead  me  to 
suppose  the  seat  of  your  disease  is  in  the  spine. 
The  '  water  treatment,'  I  think,  would  be  ben- 
elicial.  I  doubt  not  a  thorough  course  of  hy- 
dropathy would  greatly  benefit  you.  There 
is  a  very  good  establishment  at  Orange,  in  our 
State.  We  are  just  on  the  eve  of  going  west. 
On  Thursday  next  we  intend  to  leave  here  with 
all  our  family,  and  not  return  until  the  Ist  of 
September.  Expect  to  visit  Oneida,  Oswego, 
and  Jefferson  Counties,  IS.  Y.     We  have  all 


184  KDWAIiD    WKED. 

been  rather  under  the  weather  during  the 
spring  and  summer.  The  cliiMren  have  had 
the  measles,  which  has  left  their  little  systems 
in  a  bad  state.  I  think,  however,  they  are  re- 
covering. AV^ife  is  very  feeble,  and  my  own 
health  quite  precarious.  I  have  not  time  to 
give  you  my  own  opinion  in  reference  to  the 
stirring  events  of  the  times,  to  which  you  al- 
lude in  your  letter.  I  see  in  them  the  hand 
of  our  adorable  God,  furthering  his  counsels, 
as  declared  in  his  hol;f  word.  To  my  mind 
the  trreat  clock  of  the  world  has  struck,  show- 
ing  us  what  time  it  is  in  the  cycle  of  God's 
designs  towards  the  human  family.  As  to  the 
final  results  I  have  no  doubt  that  all  will  be 
well.  I  have  the  fullest  and  sweetest  confi- 
dence in  the  overruling  providence  of  Heaven. 
'  All  things  are  by  the  decree  of  the  Holy 
AVatchers.'  My  duty  is  simply  to  wait  upon 
(rod,  and  to  be  read}^  to  come  and  go  at  iiis 
bidding,  but  not  to  lay  a  finger  upon  his  gov- 
ernment. Let  his  counsels  and  his  plans  stand. 
And  may  the  Lord  grant  that  we  may  all 
sweetly  repose  ourselves  in  his  hands." 

During  Mr.  Weed's  absence  on  the  journey 
mentioned  in  the  foregoing  letters,  he  received 
a  call  from  a  church  in  A ,  Ohio.     The 


FAITH    AND    WOKKS.  185 

following  letter  refers  to  it,  aiitl  to  his  return 
to  Lis  people : — 

"  Paterson,  Sejjt.  25,  1848. 
Dear  Brotiiior  : — ^You  arc  undoubtedly  anx- 
ious to  hear  iVom  nie.  I  was  sorry  to  be 
obliged  to  liurry  along  so,  witliout  having  time 
to  coininunicate  to  you  the  results  of  my  visit 
to  Ohio.  I  was  cordially  received,  and  during 
my  three  days'  stay,  passed  through  most  of 
the  congregation.  I  was  pleased  with  the 
people.  The  congregation  on  the  Sal)l)ath 
was  large  and  the  attention  good.  The  par- 
sonage house  is  a  good  one,  resembling  in  its 
construction  yours.  Connected  with  it  is  a 
farm  of  eighty  acres,  fifteen  cleared  and  under 
good  cultivation.  If  I  will  go  there  they  will 
put  the  house  in  first  rate  order,  give  me  the 
use  of  it  and  the  land,  and  five  hundred  dol- 
lars. But  leaving  this  matter,  I  will  give  you 
an  account  of  ray  return  home.     Our  passage 

from  M to  K was  a  watery  one.    But 

we,  however,  had  a  good  berth,  and  got 
through  well.  Our  stage  companions  were 
agreeable,  and  conversation  was  kept  up  with 
profit  and  spirit.     In  the  morning  I  hired  a 

man  to  take  me  to  W .     Found  wife  and 

children  unusually  well.     For  the  sake  of  her 
seeing  her  sister,  who  is  expected  from  Ohio 
16* 


186  EDWAKD   WEED. 

soon,  I  consented  to  their  remaining  tliere  a 

few  weeks  longer ;  and  taking  E ,  I   got 

aboard  the  11  o'clock  train  and  pursued  my 
way  to  Troy.  Bro.  B went  on  to  Pater- 
son  to  preach  the  next  day  for  me,  and  I 
remained  at  Troy  over  the  Sabbath  and 
preached  for  him.  I  am  gaining  strength  and 
flesh.  My  people  had  anticipated  my  rerurn, 
with  enthusiastic  jo}'.  The  ladies  had  cleaned 
the  cliurch  from  top  to  bottom,  and  had  it 
painted  inside  and  out.  A  new  carpet,  new 
chairs,  and  a  new  table,  and  every  thing  as 
neatly  arranged  as  good  taste  could  devise. 
On  the  Sabbath  I  was  greeted  with  an  over- 
flowing congi-egation.  I  chose  for  my  text, 
Acts  xxviii.  15  ;  '  And  from  thence,  when  the 
brethren  heard  of  us,  they  came  to  meet  us  as 
far  as  Api»ii  Forum,  and  the  ITiree  Taverns : 
whom  when  Paul  saw,  he  thanked  God  and 
took  courage.'  T  first  spoke  of  the  greatness 
of  the  gospel  minister's  work ;  2d,  of  its  diffi- 
culties ;  3d,  of  its  encouragements,  among 
which  I  referred  to  the  expressed  confidence 
and  affection  of  his  Christian  bretliren,  which 
so  rejoiced  and  strengthened  the  heart  of  Paul. 
The  application  you  will  perceive.  Since  my 
return,  my  heart  has  been  all  melted  down. 
The  goodness  of  God  has  been  so  consi^icuous 
towards  me  and  my  people,  during  my  ab- 


FAITII    AND    "WOKKS.  1S7 

sence,  I  am  overpowered  with  a  sense  of  it. 
Had  I  been  a  king  or  a  prince,  passing  through 
the  land,  I  coukl  not  have  been  better  treated, 
and  my  every  want  more  richly  and  fully  sup- 
jilied.  Truly  he  has  caused  me  to  ride  upon 
liis  high  places,  and  fed  me  with  the  heritage 
of  Jacob. 

'  Now  I  am  thine,  forever  thine, 

Nor  shall  my  purpose  move, 
Thy  hand  hath  loosi'd  my  bonds  of  paiu, 

And  bound  me  with  thy  love.' 

Though  sickness  has  prevailed  in  our  town, 
and  many  have  been  cut  down,  but  a  single 
one  (a  child)  in  our  congregation  has  iallen. 
The  angel  of  the  Lord  has  encamped  about 
our  dwellings,  and  his  protecting  shield  has 
been  over  them.  My  brother,  praise  God  in 
my  behalf.  My  visit  with  friends  has  been 
very  refreshing.  I  shall  write  father  before 
long.  My  abounding  love  to  you  all.  AYrite 
soon." 

"  Pateeson,  Wov.  6f/i,  1848. 
"  Mt  Dear  Father — After  so  long  a  time  I 
have  taken  my  pen  to  address  you.  Such  has 
been  the  constant  pressure  of  my  pastoral  du- 
ties, I  have  had  no  time  to  do  it  before.  As 
usual,  my  whole  being  is  occupied  with  the 


188  EDWARD   WEED. 

work  anfl  cares  of  my  station.  Since  my  re- 
turn m}'  health  has  been  very  good.  I  trust, 
with  due  care,  and  proper  observance  of  phys- 
ical laws,  that  my  life  and  health  will  be 
spared  unto  me.  My  family  are  with  me  now, 
and  are  all  enjoying  good  health.  We  think 
our  journey  and  visiting  have  done  us  all  great 
good.  We  have  returned  to  our  field  of  labor 
with  better  health,  and  a  keener  relish  for  our 
work.  We  hope  the  Lord  will  hear  our 
prayer,  and  build  up  his  cause  in  our  midst. 
At  present,  religion  is  at  a  very  low  ebb.  The 
power  of  godliness  is  not  felt,  although  the 
forms  of  worship  are  tolerably  well  attended 
to.  My  congregations  on  the  Sabbath  are 
large  and  attentive.  I  have  returned  a  nega- 
tive  reply   to   my    call   from   A .     They 

insisted  upon  my  coming  this  fall,  and  to  have 
loft  thus  suddenly  would  have  been  a  heavy 
blow  to  this  congregation,  and  especially  so 
soon  after  my  long  absence.  The  trustees  and 
elders  of  the  church  here,  expressed  it  as  their 
opinion,  that  it  would  be  the  ruin,  almost,  of 
the  church.  In  addition,  the  labor  and  peril 
of  removing  my  family  at  this  inclement  season 
of  the  year,  so  far,  and  the  excitement  of  set- 
tling down  and  forming  new  acquaintances, 
appeared  to  me  a  work  greater  than  my  health 
would  be  equal  to.     I  feel  happy  in  my  de- 


FAITH    AND    WOKKS.  189 

cision,  and  tliink  the  Lord  has  directed  in 
reference  to  it.  I  helieve,  with  due  care,  I 
sliall  he  able  to  discharge  iny  duty  successfully 
to  this  congregation.  I  have  purchased  me  a 
liorso  and  wagon;  my. object  is  for  my  own 
and  my  family's  health.  I  tind  that  exercise 
on  horseback  is  very  beneficial. 

"  My  dear  father,  lam  aware  that  you  have 
arrived  to  that  period  of  life,  in  which  you  are 
called  to  endure  peculiar  trials,  and  you  need 
])eculiar  grace  to  sustain  you.  To  look  toward 
the  setting  sun  is  not  so  joyous  as  to  behold  its 
rising  splendors.  The  fading  away  of  the 
light  of  day  affords  a  melancholy  pleasure, 
but  its  morning  approach  exhilarates  as  well 
as  pleases.  So  it  is  with  the  morning  and 
evening  of  life.  The  pleasures  of  old  age  are 
of  a  sad  and  melancholy  cast.  The  grave  and 
eternity  stand  continually  in  view.  The 
morning  and  noon  of  life  are  past,  and  the 
shades  of  night  are  gathering  about ;  and,  as 
its  dark  mantle  begins  to  hang  over  you,  the 
conscious  certainty,  that  so  far  as  the  scenes 
and  enjoyments  of  earth  are  concerned,  it  must 
grow  darker  and  darker,  naturally  heightens 
the  gloom  and  increases  the  raelanclmly. 
Every  thing  seems  to  proclaim  to  the  aged, 
'I  must  decrease.'  Under  these  circumstances 
nothing  can  buoy  up  the  spirits  but  beholding 


190  EDWARD   ■WEED. 

with  an  eye  of  fiiith  the  thinc^s  flint  are  nnsccn 
and  eternal,  and  which  niahestothesoul,  all  tho 
promises  of  God  to  his  saints,  '■  yea  and  amen.'' 
If  the  IIolj  Spirit  slied  abroad  the  love  of 
(lod  in  the  heart,  it  will  render  the  apced  man 
cheerful  and  happy  ;  and  though  to  his  bodily 
senses,  all  the  '  sons  of  plea-nre  Jjre  brought 
low,'  his  heart  will  triumph  in  grace,  and  his 
countenance  be  radiant  with  the  joys  of  salva- 
tion. It  is  my  prayer  that  you  Tuay  be  com- 
forted with  the  exceeding  great  and  precious 
consolations  of  the  gos])el.  Will  you  write 
soon  ?     All  join  iu  love  to  yon." 

•  "  Paterson,  FcK  5M,  1849.  • 
"  My  Dear  Father  : — Your  letter  was  duly 
received,  and  I  regret  the  necessity  of  having 
neglected  to  answer  it  so  long.  My  excuse  is 
the  multiplicity  of  business,  and  a  rather  fee- 
ble state  of  health.  My  chest  troubles  me 
some,  especially  when  I  ap])ly  myself  to  writ- 
ing or  hard  study.  In  other  respects  I  am  vig- 
orous. Since  my  return  my  labors  have  been 
very  great,  and  I  see  nothing  ahead  but  work  ! 
work  !  work  !  I  trust,  however,  I  shall  exer- 
cise more  wisdom  hereafter  iu  performing  it. 
Things  at  present  are  assuming,  in  my  congre- 
gation, a  more  encouraging  aspect.  Yester- 
day was  a  very  solemn  day  with  us.     The 


FAIXn   AND   WORKS.  191 

pceached  word  seemed  to  produce  an  mmsnal 
effect,  and  in  the  evening  we  had  a  very  im- 
pressive conference  and  prayer-meeting.  This 
week  we  are  to  have  a  2)rayer  and  conference 
meeting  every  evening.  I  have  visited  nearly 
all  the  brethren  of  the  church,  and  pledged 
them  to  attend.  We  expect  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  with  us.  Death  has  been  in  our 
midst,  and  removed  several  of  our  members. 
Last  week  we  buried  Mrs.  S.  Miller,  and  Mrs. 
J.  McLaughlin.  Br.  C — —  has  been  confined 
to  his  house  with  a  broken  leg,  the  last  three 
months.  lie  suffered  greatly,  but  bore  it  like 
a  Christian,  and  I  trust  it  has  been  a  spiritual 
blessing  to  him.  AVife's  liealtTi  is  better  than 
usual  this  winter.  The  children  are  remark- 
ably well.     Little  A has  become  a  line 

active  boy,  runs  about,  and  tries  to  talk.  We 
have  had  an  unusual  amount  of  sleighing  here 
this  winter.  We  were  sorry  to  hear  that  you 
had  been  so  unwell.  You  must  not,  however, 
look  on  the  dark  side,  but  trusting  in  God, 
submit  to  the  intirmities  of  age.  Be  as  cheer- 
ful and  happy  as  possible.  The  people  here 
remember  you  with  affection.  All  the  family 
send  love." 

"  Paterson,  Feb.  Uh,  1840. 
"  Dear  T — ' —  :    I  am  anxious  to  hear  from 


102  KDWAun  m'E]':d. 

# 

}'on,  and  of  tlie  work  of  the  Lord  in  3'our  midst. 
liy  this  time  you  are  becominf;^  familiar  both 
with  the  lal)ors  and  tlie  consolations  of  the 
minister  of  tlie  gospel.  You  find  it  a  life  of 
care,  of  toil  and  anxiety  ;  l)nt,  at  the  same 
time,  a  work  that  angels  might  rejoice  to  be 
occupied  in.  I  trust  you  love  the  work,  and 
are  every  day  improving  in  skill  and  power  to 
perform  it.  Of  conrse  I  know  how  to  sympa- 
thize with  yon,  and  I  am  glad  you  are  Ijcgin- 
ning  to  do  so  with  me.  I  should  like  to  write 
you  a  long  letter,  but  my  weak  stomach  will 
not  allow  it.  I  think  I  have  been  improving 
in  knowledge  and  in  spirit,  since  my  return. 
I  hope  I  think  less  and  less  of  self,  and  more 
of  God  and  his  cause.  It  was  hard  work  to 
get  things  up  here,  after  I  came  home  from 
my  tour  last  summer.  But  they  are  beginning 
to  move  now,  and  I  hope  the  work  of  the  Lord 
M'ill  prosper." 

"  Patkrson,  July  19,  1849. 

"Dkar  Bko.  P : — Your  letter  came  to 

hand  last  week.  We  feel  reproved  for  not 
having  written  to  you  long  before.  Since  you 
was  here  my  labors  have  been  very  great,  and 
my  bodily  strength  feeble.  Still,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  my  health  is  much  the  same.  I  cannot 
perceive  that  my  strength  diminishes.     My 


FAITII    AND    WOKKS.  103 

dnirch  and  congregation  li ad  got  a  great  ways 
away  iVom  the  Lord,  and  it  has  heen  hard, 
work  to  bring  things  np  again.  They  seora 
somewhat  revived  now.  We  have  for  the  last 
two  weeks  been  hohling  continnons  evening 
meetings,  in  which  I  have  usually  preached  a 
Bhort  sermon,  and  the  remainder  of  the  eve- 
ning has  been  s[)ent  in  prayer  and  conference 
by  the  church.  We  shall  (D.  V.)  continue 
them  througli  the  week.  Some  have  been 
converted,  and  many  of  the  brethren  and  sis- 
ters humbled  and  revived.  I  rejoice  in  the 
blessing  poured  upon  you  and  your  people  ;  I 
hope  you  may  hold  on  your  way,  better  know- 
ing the  Lord,  and  better  understanding  how 
to  do  the  work  of  a  gospel  minister.  What  a 
glorious  privilege  it  is  that  we  can  advance, 
tliat  we  may  constantly  improve  in  every  direc- 
tion, and  that  there  is  no  point  of  excellency, 
short  of  al)Solute  infinity,  which  we  may  not 
hope  to  attain.  I  think  my  own  heart  has 
made  some  advance  in  holiness  during  the 
last  three  months  ;  but  my  progress  is  slow. 
'  Enlarge  my  heart  that  I  may  run  in  the  way 
of  thy  commandments  !'  the  Psalmist  exclaims. 
Oh,  what  a  great  heart  it  needs  to  be  a  boly 
man !  None  biit  God  can  make  our  hearts 
large  enough  for  such  a  work  ;  to  be  a  par- 
taker of  the  new  covenant  in  the  sense  of  hav- 


194  EDWARD   WEED. 

ing  the  stony  heart  taken  away,  and  the  law 
written  upon  tlie  new  heart.  It  is  my  desire 
by  day  and  by  night,.  Christ,  nothing  but 
Christ  and  his  fullness.  Pray  for  me,  my 
brother,  that  I  may  be  set  free  from  all  the 
bonds  of  sin." 


CHAPTER  XYl. 

SICKNESS RESIGNS    HIS   CHARGE LEAVES    PATEE- 

SON ^LETTEKS  DURING  HIS  ILLNESS HOPES  AND 

FEARS. 

A  FEW  days  after  the  last  letter  was  written, 
Mr.  Weed  was  entirely  prostrated  by  the 
disease  that  had  been  for  months  undermining 
his  health,  and  he  was  obliged,  suddenly,  to 
suspend  all  his  labors.  His  sermons  that  he 
had  commenced  fur  the  ensuing  Sabbath  were 
never  finished.  After  passing  along  for  some 
weeks,  between  the  alternations  of  hope  and 
fear,  his  strength  and  the  prospect  of  his  ulti- 
mate recovery,  all  the  time  decreasing,  he 
called  together  the  official  members  of  his 
church,  and  tendered  to  them  Ijis  resignation. 
The  ext(?nt  and  magnitude  of  this  trial  was 
fully  appreciated  only  by  him  who  was  tem]>t- 
ed  in  all  points  like  as  we  are,  that  he  nvio-lit 
become  to  us,  a  merciful  and  gracious  High 
Priest.      About  the  same  time  he  received  the 


190  EnWARD   WEED. 

intelligence  of  the  death  of  liis  loved  and 
honored  father.  His  letters,  in  these  "Days 
of  trial,  days  of  grief,"  breatlie  the  meekness 
and  submission  of  one  whose  will  was  swallow- 
ed up  in  the  divine  will. 

"Paterson,  March  loth,  1849. 
"Dear  Brother  : — All  your  letters  respecting 
the  sickness  and  death  of  our  dear  father  were 
duly  received — greatly  are  we  afflicted  by  our 
loss.  Every  day  something  meets  our  eyes  to 
remind  us  of  the  departed,  and  cause  our  tears 
freely  to  flow.  Tlie  hymns  that  we  sing,  the 
passages  of  Scripture  that  we  read,  are  in  so 
many  ways  associated  with  father's  memory, 
that  we  often  burst  into  tears  while  at  our 
family  devotions.  jSTature  bleeds,  but  the 
spirit  rejoices  in  the  glorious  triumphs  of  grace 
ilhistrated  in  liis  life  and  in  his  death.  It 
wuukl  liave  been  a  source  of  great  gratitica- 
tlou  to  me  could  I  have  bt'cn  with  liim  in  the 
hour  of  conflict;  I  should  love  to  Imve  seen 
his  renuiins  ttx^,  before  they  were  deposited  in 
tlie  earth.  These  things,  however,  were  de- 
nied me  by  my  lleavenlj^  Fatiier,  and  I  will 
not  complain.  While  receiving  the  lieaN'y 
tidings  through  your  letters,  I  was  an  invalid, 
with  strength  so  prostrated  that  I  could  not 
read  ten  lines  without  distress.  I  am  still  very 


FATTir    AND   WORKS.  107 

wealc  and  poor.  ITavc  not  preached  for  a 
nioiitli,  and  do  not  expect  to  for  months  to 
conic.  J)r.  M.  says  I  must  rusticate  six 
months,  at  least,  or  make  up  my  mind  to  go  to 
the  'hospital  for  incurable  invalids.'  I  shall 
leave  this  field  of  labor  the  first  of  May — that 
y'.s'  all  settled.  I  have  tendered  my  resigna- 
tion, and  it  has  been  accepted.  AVhat  I  shall 
do,  or  where  I  sliall  go,  lies  at  present  all  in 
the  dark:  I  shall  be  also  wholly  destitute  of 
means.  After  selling  off  most  of  our  goods 
and  chattels,  I  shall  be  just  about  even  with 
the  world.  But  I  can  say  with  the  Apostle 
Paul,  'None  of  these  things  move  me,  neither 
do  I  count  my  life  dear  unto  myself;'  I  have 
the  consciousness  of  having  done  my  duty,  and 
of  having  acted  unsellishly,  and  though 
afflicted,  I  am  not  depressed  in  spirits,  I  was 
never  more  cheerful  and  happy — '  Jehovah 
jireth'  is  my  motto.  Pray  for  us.  I  have  not 
yet  had  strength  to  prej^are  a  notice  of  father's 
death  ;  I  nope  to  be  able  to  do  so  this  week  ;  I 
should  like  to  have  a  letter  soon  from  you, 
.  giving  an  account  of  his  funeral,  etc." 

Patekson,  April  2nd. 
"  Drar  Brother  : — I  have  deferred  answer- 
ing your  last  letter  solely  because  I  have  not 
had  strength  to  do  so.     For  the  last  four  weeks 


198  EDWAKD   WEED. 

my  position  lias  been  near  death's  door,  and  I 
am  but  little,  if  any  better  at  present ;  I  am 
feeble  as  an  infant ;  it  wearies  me  to  put  on 
and  off  my  garments ;  I  do  not  pretend  to  do 
anything  in  an  intellectual  way  ;  I  cannot  read 
live  minutes  without  distress.  Notwithstand- ' 
ing  all  this,  I  suffer  but  little  severe  pain  ;  my 
disease  appears  passive  rather  than  active : 
how  it  will  eventuate  my  Heavenly  Father 
only  knows.  My  mind  has  been  kept  cheer- 
ful and  happy ;  I  have  had  no  gloomy  or  de- 
spondent feelings.  My  people,  and  the  whole 
community,  seem  to  sympathize  deeply  with 
me ;  I  have  resigned  my  charge,  and  if  strong 
enough,  shall  leave  here  the  first  of  May.  As 
to  your  coming  on  here  1  know  not  what  to 
say ;  1  should  like  much  to  see  you,  and  some- 
times think  unless  you  do  come  soon,  I  shall 
never  see  you  again  in  tlie  flesh.  Yet,  when 
I  think  of  your  engagements  and  responsibili- 
ties, and  the  expense  the  journey  will  involve, 
I  cannot  ask  you  to  come.  Should  you,  upon 
the  whole,  think  it  best,  I  should  like  to  have 
you  come  the  last  of  the  month,  so  that  you 
might  help  me  in  settling  up  my  affairs,  and 
in  moving.  Unless  I  improve  rapidly,  1  shall 
not  be  able  to  do  anything  in  those  matters. 
My  friends  here  advise  my  going  to  a  water 
cure  establishment;  Dr.  M also  advises 


FAITFI   AND    WORKS.  199 

the  same  ;  I  shall  probably  do  so  if  I  can  raise 
the  means.  A  week  from  to-day  our  people 
have  a  donation  party  at  the  church  on  our 
behalf.  Wife's  health  is  pretty  good,  and  she 
nurses  me  with  great  care  and  tenderness. 
Tlie  children  are  all  very  well." 

All    the    arrangements    were     made     for 

Mr.  Weed  to  leave  P the  first  of  May. 

His  horse  and  carriage  and  household  goods 
were  sold,  and  with  the  avails  of  them,  all 
his  arrearages  were  settled  uj),  so  that  after 
fourteen  years  of  self-denial  and  toil,  as  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  he  found  himself 
as  empty-handed  as  when  he  began.  But 
now  he  was  sick,  with  a  helpless  little  family 
looking  up  to  him  as  their  jDrotector  and  pro- 
vider. Still  his  confidence  in  Ilim,  who 
hears  the  young  ravens  when  the}'  cry,  for  a 
moment  faltered  not.  As  preparations  were 
being  made  for  the  removal  of  his  family,  to 
find  their  home  in  the  "  Wide,  wide  world,'' 
his  wife  wishing  to  know  if  his  faith  faltered, 
said  to  him,  "  Don't  you  wish  that  you  had 
given  away  less,  and  been  more  provident  for 
the  future — how  nice  it  would  be  now  if  we 
had  a  little  home  to  go  to  ?"  "  iTo,"  he  an- 
swered, with  emphasis,  "  no,  I  think  I  have 


200  EDWAKD    WKEP. 

done  as  God  would  liavc  me  do,  and  now  I 
"believe  ho  will  make  me  an  example  of  what 
he  would  do  for  his  peoi)]e  and  his  ministers, 
'if  ihcy  would  put  their  trnst  in  him." 

About  two  hundred  dollars  was  the  result  of 
the  donation  visii,,  mentioned  as  being  anti- 
cipated in   his  last  letter.     This  was   all 'his 

earthly  dependence  when  he  left  P .  hut 

the  result  proved  that,  as  a  child  of  God,  he 
did  not  trust  his  Heavenly  Father  in  vain. 
"When  the  first  of  May  came,  his  strength  was 
so  much  reduced  that  he  could  not  walk  across 
the  room  without  assistance,  and  many  fears 
were  entertained  that  he  could  not  sui-vive  his 
journey.  "When  he  reached  Jersey  City  he 
was  so  exhausted  that  he  was  thought  hy  some 
of  the  friends  who  accompanied  him  to  be  in  a 
d^nng  state.  l>ut  the  sea-breeze  and  a  frw  hours 
rest  revived  him,  so  that  he  endured  the  re- 
mainder of  his  journey,  a  distance  of  some  three 
hundred  miles,  better  tlian  was  anticipated. 
AVeak  as  an  infant,  he  was  obliged  to  he 
carried  from  one  conveyance  to  another  in  the 
arms  of  his  attendants.  His  subse<juent  letters, 
sometimes  by  his  own  hand,  and  sometimes  by 
the  hand  of  another,  give  an  ei)itouie  of  the 
clianges  and  trials  through  which  he  pass(!d, 
and  of  the  tiiumphs  of  grace  in  his  case. 


KUTli    AND    WoUKS.  201 

"  nYDliOPATlIIC  IIaJLL,  KiCHLAND, 

JulyZrd,  1849. 

"  Dear  TIkot}ier  C :  It  is  now  two  months 

since  we  parted.  Undoubtedly  you  anticipated 
hearing  from  me  l)etbre  this,  and  are  anxious 
to  know  jny  state.  My  healtli  has  hcen  so 
poor,  that  I  liave  not  been  able  to  write  my- 
self, and  I  have  required  so  much  attention 
from  my  friends,  that,  witli  their  own  responsi- 
bilities, they  have  not  had  the  time  to  conduct 
my  correspondence.  The  consequence  has 
heen,  I  have  had  but  few  letters  written  to  my 

friends.     My  journey  from  New  York  to  O 

greatly  exhausted  me,  still  there  was  vitality 
enough  to  re-act,  and,  for  a  few  days,  I  seemed 
to  be  on  the  gain,  when  ray  disease  assumed  a 
new  form ;  my  face  and  limbs  began  to  bloat, 
and  a  watery  deposit  also  formed  in  my  lungs, 
which  I  was  obliged  to  cough  off.  My  whole 
person  became  exceedingly  bloated ;  you  would 
not  have  known  me. 

"  About  ten  days  since,  I  commenced  the 
water  treatment.  I  obtained  admittance  into 
this  establishment,  with  the  unenviable  dis- 
tinction out  of  thirty-five  patients,  of  being  the 
most  hopeless  and  feeble  of  them  all.  13ut  the 
treatment,  which  has  been  very  prompt  and 
active,  has  taken  hold  of  me  with  decidedly 
favorable  success.     The  doctor  thinks  there  is 


202  EDVVAKD    WKEI). 

no  doubt  of  my  ultimate  recovery,  unless  some 
untoward  event  should  intervene.  At  the 
same  time  it  is  probable  I  shall  not  be  able  to 
do  an^'tliing  for  my  own  or  my  family's  sup- 
port for  twelve  months,  and  my  expenses  have 
been,  and  still  are,  very  great.  Now,  Brother 
C,  will  you  make  my  case  known  to  my  Chris- 
tian friends,  with  whom  I  have  been  associated 
for  the  last  six  or  seven  years,  and  get  them  to 
do  for  me  as  they  think  best.  It  is  exceed- 
ingly trying  for  me  to  make  this  proposi- 
tion ;  but  you  are  aware  that  I  have  always 
labored  for  a  small  salary,  and  in  churches 
that  w^ere  struggling  for  an  existence,  and  that 
this  has  required  me  to.  practice  great  self- 
denial,  to  live  sparingly,  and  give  liberally. 
During  the  last  eleven  years  of  my  minis- 
try, I  can  count  up  eleven  hundred  dollars, 
that  1  have  given  away  in  large  sums  to 
benevolent  objects.  Whilst  the  small  sums 
that  I  have  distributed  here  and  there,  have 
been  numerous.  The  consequence  has  been, 
that  I  have  been  unable  to  lay  up  anything. 

Say  to  dear  Brother  W that  his  kind  visit 

on  board  the  boat,  and  generous  gratuity,  so 
overcame  me  at  the  time,  that  I  was  not  able 
to  express  to  him  my  thanks.     Say  to  Doctor 

B that  I  feel  under  great  obligation   to 

him  for  his  kindness,  and  that  his  prescriptions 


lAMII     A  Nil    WoliKS.  2(>3 

Were  of  i^reat  value  to  me.  I  luive  suft'enHl 
greiitly  ;  but  my  Heavenly  Father  lias  kept 
my  mind  in  perfect  j^eace  ;  I  have  not  had  one 
complaininiif  feeliny;  ag'ainst  Divine  Provi- 
dence, neither  have  I  been  depressed.  I  have 
felt  to  leave  my  case  wholly  in  the  hands  of 
the  Lord,  and  to  say,  '  Thy  will  be  done.' 
Through  Ilis  grace,  thus  far,  I  have  not  faint- 
ed nnder  this  rebuke,  and  T  trust  I  shall  not. 
As  I  was  not  able  to  write  myself,  I  have 
been  obliged  to  emj^loy  the  hand  of  another." 

''Jnhj^lth,  181:9. 

"  Dkak  BKOTHKii  C :  Your  long-expected, 

and  more  than  welcome  letter,  came  duly  to 
hand.  I  think  it  did  me  more  good  than  any 
other  letter  I  ever  received.  The  hearty  and  ten- 
der sympathy,  and  deep  interest  manifested  and 
expressed  in  it  for  me  in  my  present  chastened 
and  afflicted  state,  on  your  own  ])art,  and  that 
of  your  dear  church,  and  of  the  brethren  of  the 
association,  was  grateful  and  exceedingly  re- 
freshing to  my  soul.  Though  we  can  live 
without  human  sympathy — shut  np  only  to 
God,  yet,  when  it  does  conie,  and  we  know 
it  is  hearty,  it  is  to  the  spirit  like  the  genial 
showers  of  summer  to  the  thirsty  earth.  I  feel 
to  praise  God  for  this  new  manifestation  of 
love  to  me.     I  wish  to  express  to  you  also  my 


204  EDWARD    WEED. 

tliants  for  the  pecuniary  aid  you  sent  me.     It 
came  to  me  in  a  most  acceptable  time.     My 
cruse  of  oil  was  nearly  exhausted  ;  w'hat  you 
sent  me  has  rei)leiiished  it.     It   is  four  weeks 
to  day  since  I  came  here,  durino-  that  time  I 
have  been  greatly  beneiitted.     The  bloat  has 
nearly  left  my  body,  and  my  countenance  is 
assuming  its  natural  color.     My  strength  is 
returning  as  rapidly  as  could  be  expected; 
and,  though  still  weak,  it  is  my  abiding  belief 
that  I  shall  be  spared  to  do  something  more 
for  my  Redeemer's  cause  on  earth.     I  was  ex- 
ceedingly glad  to  hear  that  the  presence  of  the 
Spirit  is  manifest  in  your  assemblies,  and  that 
you  have  been  cheered  in  your  labors  by  ad- 
ditions to  your  church.     My  prayer  is,  that 
the  Lord  may  continue  his  mercy  in  this  re- 
spect; and  that  he  may  preserve  yourself  and 
your  family,  and  the  members  of  your  sano 
tuary,    from    the   ])0stilcnce   that  walketh    in 
darkness,  and  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at 
noon  day.     My  own  mind  is  calm  and  peace- 
ful, stayed  u])on  tlie  Lord.     My  power  to  read 
and  meditate  is  beginning  to  return.     It  is  pre- 
cious to  be  able  once  more  to  study  the  oracle 
of  God.     For  five  months  I  have  not  been  able 
to  read  at  all,  or  to  fix  my  attention  upon  any 
subject   continuously.     liemember    me   most 
afiectionately  to  the  people  of  your  charge.    I 


J'AITII    ANJ)    WOfiKS.  205 

have  always  felt  a  living  interest  in  tlieiu. 
Much  love  to  sister  C .     Adieu." 

"  RicuLAND  Hydropathic  Hall, 
Sejyt  Uh,  18J:9. 
"Dear  "Brotiirr  F :  You  have  undoubt- 
edly looked  for  a  letter  i'roni  some  of  us  ere 
this.  I  have  written  to  my  friends  as  I  have  had 
strength  ;  but  have  not  been  able  as  yet  to  write 
to  all  whom  I  know  wish  to  hear  from  me, 
and  who  have  peculiar  claims  upon  me.  Pro- 
bably you  hardly  expected  I  should  be  in  the 
land  of  the  living  at  this  time.    My  state,  when 

you  parted  with  me  at  P ,  did  not  indicate 

that  I  had  many  days  to  spend  on  earth.  I 
was  very  weak  then,  but  became  still  weaker 

after  I  reached  W ,  until  the  dropsj^  set  in, 

and  T  became  very  much  bloated  ;  my  li]>s 
and  hands  were  white  as  chalk,  and  I  was  so 
weak  I  could  not  walk  across  the  floor  without 
help.  At  this  juncture  I  concluded  t(^  try  tlic 
Water  treatment,  and  accordingly  enteretl  the 
establishment  from  which  I  date,  nine  weeks 
ago  ;  and  I  h<>pe  in  two  or  three  weeks  more 
to  be  able  to  leave  here  and  travel.  By  the 
recommendation  of  my  physician,  I  expect  to 
spen":!  some  six  or  eight  weeks  in  visiting  mj^ 
friends,  travelling  in  my  own  conveyance. 
"What  is  to  be  our  future  destination  I  do  not 


200  KDWAKll   \Yi;Kn, 

kiiOM-;  I  tliiiik  a  mild  climate  will  Lc  better 
for  me,  than  a  sev^ere  one.     The  question  lias 
arisen  in  my  mind,  whether  there  may  not  be 
a  destitute  congregation  in  your  vicinity,  that 
I  might  supply  during  the  winter.     If  I  am 
prosi)ered,  I  hope  to  be  able  to  preach  by  the 
first  of  January.     I  do  not  intend  to  apply  my- 
self to  study  during  the  winter ;  I  shall  avail 
myself  of  former  study,  and  not  preach  more 
than  two  or  three  times  in  the  week.     Preach- 
ing has  never  seemed  to  hurt  me.  like  close 
and  long  continued  study.     AYe  have   thought 
some  of  taking  our  little    family  and    going 
to  Ohio.     Wherever  m'c  go,  we  expect  to  travel 
in  our  own  conveyance,  and  take  our  children 
with  us.     You  may  wish  to  know  how  we  are 
a"ettin<x  on  for  funds  ;  our  cruse  of  oil  has  not 
yet  run  out,  though  it  is  lu-ctty  Ioav.     Owing 
to  my  very  severe  sickness,  our  expenses  have 
been   very  great;  I  have   received 'some  aid 
from  my  eastern  Christian  friends,  Avhich  has 
enabled  me  to  get  along  tlius  far,  comfortably, 
"What  is  to  be  the  future  in  this  respect,  does 
not  yet  appear.     I  have  no  fear  that  my  Hea- 
venly Father  will  suffer  me  to  want.     During 
the  last  six  months  T  have  been  called  to  suffer 
greatly  ;  but,  during  it  all,  my  mind  has  been 
kept  in  perfect  peace  and  (piiet.     I  have  been 
sweetly  resigned  to  the  divine  will.     This  is  of 


I'AITU    AMI)    \VORK«. 


207 


the  Lord,  and  I  thank  lUm  for  it.     Much  lovo 
to  yourself  and  family.'" 

"  llicuuxNv,  Sejyt.  nth,  1849. 
"  Dear  Bkothkr  G :  My  health  conti- 
nues to  improve.  This  morning  I  felt  more 
like  my  former  self  than  I  have  since  I  have 
been  sick.  I  hope  in  a  few  months  to  be  able 
to  do  something  for  the  support  of  myself  and 
family.  I  liope  in  some  three  weeks  more  I 
shall  be  able  to  leave  here,  with  ray  system 
wholly  renovated ;  if  I  do,  I  shall  be  almost 
like  one  raised  from  the  dead.  I  feel  that  my 
afflictions  have  done,  and  are  doing,  me  good. 
The  world  and  all  its  pleasures  never  appeared 
to  me  more  insipid,  and  Gud  and  his  truths 
more  gi-and  and  glorious.  I  long  once  more 
to  preach  the  glorious  gospel.  It  never  ap- 
peared to  me  more  precious." 

"  RionLAND,«%?^.  IZth,  1849. 
"  My  Dea.r  WrFE : — :I  took  your  letter  from 
the  office  to-day,  soon  after  it  came  in.  I  was 
rejoiced  to  learn  that  you  had  a  safe  and  pros- 
perous journey,  and  were  so  cordially  received 
b_y  your  fi-iends.  I  have  felt  a  solicitude  to 
hear  from  you  all  the  week.  I  was  a])i)rehen- 
sive  you  might  have  considerable  trouble  with 
the  childi'eu,  arriving  as  you  did,  at  so  late  an 


20S  EDVVAliD   WEED. 

hour  in  the  evening.  I  was  afraid  too  that  you. 
or  the  children  might  contract  violent  cold, 
by  the  exposure.  I  hope  you  vaW  do  what 
you  can  to  improve  your  liealth.  Since  you 
left,  I  think  I  have  steadily  improved.  The 
bloat,  so  far  as  I  can  perceive,  has  entirely  dis- 
appeared from  my  whole  system.  My  cold 
and  cough  are  almost  entirely  gone.  Were 
my  digestion  what  it  should  be,  I  should  think 
myself  healed,  and  though  my  bowel  com- 
plaint  continues,    1   daily    gain   streng-th.     I 

think  I  shall  meet  you  at  "VV a  week  from 

next  Saturday,  or  the  following  Monday. 
Should  anything  occur  to  prevent,  I  will  write 
and  let  you  know.  I  like  your  suggestion — 
the  same  thing  suggested  itself  to  my  own 
mind.  Had  we  a  home,  I  think  I  could  j^rac- 
tice  the  water  treatment,  exercise  on  horse- 
back, and  otherwise,  so  as  to  recruit  my 
strength,  equally  as  well  as  here.  While  I 
have  been  writing^he  doctor  brought  me  in 

a  letter  from  Brother  W ,  containing  ^20. 

llemember  me  affectionately  to  your  friends. 
Kiss  the  dear  little  boys  for  me." 

'"  Ivl(  IILAND,  Si'2?t.  ISth. 
"  Last  Sabbath   eve  I  was  attacked  with  a 
violent  diarrhoea,  which  has  continued  until  the 
present.     I   am,    however,   much   better  this 


FAITH    AKT)    WORKS.  20f) 

moniiDg.  Still  it  lias  weakened  ine,  and  made 
it  necessary  tliat  I  should  bo  very  careful  of 
my  d.et,  and  guard  against  over  exertion  ; 
consequently,  I  shall  not  meet  you  as  I  anti- 
cipated. I  think  the  exertion  will  be  too  much 
for  me.  I  tliink  you  had  better  return  hero 
next  Wednesday  week,  so  that  we  can  liavc 
Thursday  to  pack  (uir  things,  and  be  ready  for 
an  early  start  Friday  morning." 

"Your  letter  I  received  Saturday  eve.  I 
was  glad  to  hear  from  you  and  the  children. 
My  heart  cleaves  to  you,  as  my  great  earthly 
treasures;  enhanced  in  value  by  tlie  fact  that 
you  are  immortal,  and  that  Me  shall  have  an 
eternal  interest  in  each  other.  You  express 
sorrow  that  you  could  not  be  with  me  last 
week.  1  am  right  glad  you  were  not  hei'c. 
Your  company,  sympathy,  and  attention  w^mld 
have  been  very  precious  and  grateful  to  me  ; 
but  it  would  have  been  purchased  at  great  ex- 
pense to  you.  You  would  probably  have 
over  exerted  yourself.  So  I  think  what  has 
been,  is  best.  Last  week  was  one  of  the  most 
severe  and  trying  I  have  experienced.  Yes- 
terday I  had  a  very  bad,  discouraging  day. 
Last  night  I  rested  sweetly,  and  this  morn- 
ing I   am  much  better.     All    my  sjTnptoms 


210  EDWAIH)   AVEED. 

are  improved.  I  have  jnst  received  a  letter 
from  Brotlicr  F — ■ — ;  he  thinks  I  had  better 
not  think  of  trying  to  do  anything  this  fall 
and  winter,  and  gives  us  a  cordial  invitation 

to  spend  tlie  winter  M'ith  tliem.    Brother  P 

has  also  written,  informing  ine  of  their  safe 

arrival  at  their  beloved  home.     Brother  C 

and  family  have  escaped  the  desolating  scoui"ge, 
and  are  now  Avell,  at  their  own  home  in  San-* 

dusky  city.  B.  M lies  at  the  point  of  death. 

lie  may  be  dead  while  I  write  ;  it  will  be  a 
di-cadful  blow  to  tlie  family." 

MeddcomlU^  Oct.  3rd,  18^9. 

"Deaii    Brother    C : — No    language 

can  express  tlie  grateful  feelings  I  have 
towards  you  for  the  interest  you  have  taken  in 
my  case,  and  the  exertions  you  have  put  forth 
in  my  behalf  during  my  afSiction.  It  lias 
strengthened  and  refreshed  my  spint  exceed- 
ingly. I  have  no  doubt,  the  Great  She])herd  of 
the  sheep,  will  abundantly  reward  you  for  this 
your  kindness  to  one  of  his  unworthy  little 
ones.  .The  aid  and  sympathy  of  my  dear 
Christian  brethren  and  sisters  in  the  Lord  have 
been  to  me  a  source  of  great  C(jmfortand  conso- 
]atit)n  ;  it  has  made  me  feeltliat  the  Lord  has 
given  mo  a  memorial  in  their  hearts,  that  their 
love  is  not  in  word  and  tongue,   but  in  deed 


FAn"n   AND    WORKS.  211 

and  in  truth.  I  could  not  have  got,  along  with- 
out their  aid,  and  what  I  have  received  lias 
been  nearl}'  equal  to  my  expenses,  so  that  tlie 
supply  and  the  deinatid  have  been  almost  ex- 
actly balanced.  The  articles  of  clothing  you 
sent  me  are  just  what  I  wanted,  and  are  excel- 
lent fits.  Since  I  hist  wrote  you  T  have  passed 
throu<rh  a  ffood  deal  of  sufferinoj.  I  have  been 
covered  with  boils  and  sores.  The  bloat  has 
entirely  left  me,  but  it  has  left  me  a  perfect 
skeleton,  literally  nothing  but  skin  and  bones. 
By  careful  nursing  and  great  prudence  on  my 
part,  I  think  I  shall  recover.  I  have  got  now 
where  the  ver}'  active  treatment  is  not  needed; 
indeed  it  is  required  to  be  suspended.  The 
treatment  I  am  now  taking  is  very  simple,  and 
can  be  taken  at  home  as  well  as  anywhere  else. 
I  have  therefore  left  the  Hall,  hired  some 
apai'tment-^  in  this  place,  where  we  can  get  our 
little  family  together,  and  live  on  less  than  it 
Would  cost  me  individually  at  the  Hall.  I 
have  confidence  that  our  temporal  wants  will 
he  supplied.  The  goodness  of  our  Heavenly 
Father  in  this  respect  during  my  sickness  luis 
been  wonderful — contemplating  it  often  causes 
me  to  shed  te.trs*.  F(^r  the  last  few  weeks  I 
have  been  enabled  to  use  my  mental  faculties 
more,  and  consequentl}'  have  enjoyed  the  truth 
more.     Indeed,  my  whole  soul  has  been  filled 


212  EDWARD   WEED. 

witli  the  most  precious  and  endearing  views  of 
the  Saviour;  I  have  dwelt  with  great  delight 
upon  the  14th,  15th,  16th,  and  iTtli  chapters  of 
John's  Gospel. 

"  Odoher  \Qith. —  I  commenced  this  letter 
a  week  since,  but  was  obliged  to  suspend  its 
completion  on  account  of  weakness.  For  a  da}' 
or  two  I  despaired  of  life — all  seemed  lost — it 
was  the  regular  crisis.  Through  tlie  goodness 
of  God,  however,  it  lias  terminated  on  the  side 
of  health.  I  feel  that  the  Rubicon  is  passed, 
and  that  1  shall  get  well.  My  expectations 
may  be  too  sanguine — a  mistake  in  treatment, 
or  a  little  imprudence  in  eating  or  exercise, 
might  send  me  quickly  to  the  grave." 

"  Mexicoville,  Nov.  17th,  1849. 

"Deae  Bro.   C : — Your  last  was  duly 

received,  and  should  have  been  answered  be- 
fore, but  I  have  to  treat  you,  as  I  treat  all  my 
friends,  to  write  to  them  as  I  have  time  and 
strength.  You  have  no  idea  what  an  effort  it 
is  for  me  to  write,  even  a  short  letter.  It  has 
sometiines  been  ten  or  twelve  days  together, 
that  I  could  not  make  any  continued  intellec- 
tual elibrt.  Oh,  to  have  the  spirit  thus  re- 
strained and  chained  by  feeble  flesh,  is  slavery 
indeed  !  I  think  I  practically  understand  Rom. 
viii.  18-23.     For  the  last  six  or  seven  days  1 


FAITH   AND    WORKS.  213 

Lave  been  gaining  again  more  rapidly.  I  liope 
by  prudence  I  may  continue  to  do  so.  My  ex- 
pectations have,  however,  been  so  grievously 
disappointed  heretofore,  that  I  dare  not  speak 
with  much  confidence.  These  chronic  com- 
plaints are  inveterate  things — may  the  Lord 
grant  that  you  may  never  be  seized  with  the 
bony,  clammy  fingers  of  any  of  their  nu- 
merous tribe.  You  are  still  heaping  fresh  obli- 
gations upon  me  May  the  Lord  reward  you 
an  hundred  fold.  I  think  we  have  commenced 
housekeeping  since  I  last  wrote  you.  Our  place 
is  narrow  and  somewhat  inconvenient,  still  we 
are  very  comfortable,  and  I  trust  duly  thankful 
that  we  have  even  a  little  spot  that  we  can  call 
home.  After  six  months  scatteration,  we  can 
appreciate  that  '  there  is  no  place  like  home.' 
We  live  plain  and  economically.  Our  resour- 
ces, for  the  future,  are  small.  How  wiiat  we 
shall  need  is  to  be  raised,  we  know  not,  but  feel 
sweetly  to  trust  in  that  good  Providence  who 
lias  so  bountifully  supplied  all  our  wants  here- 
tofore. Though  shut  up  and  restrained  by  fee- 
ble flesh,  my  mind  is  not  altogether  inactive. 
I  think  I  am  daily  increasing  in  the  knowledge 
of  the  Lord,  and  I  hope  also  in  his  grace. 

"  N(yvem}jer  26th. — Since  I  wrote  you.  last 
my  health  has  continued  to  improve,  and  the 
r>rospect  now  is  of  a  complete  recovery.     I  am 


21  i  EDWARD   WEED. 

still  troubled  with  mj  original  disease,  the  pa- 
rent of  all  nij  ills,  the. irritation  of  the  mucous 
nienilirane  of  my  stomach  ;  but  notwithstand- 
ing this,  I  am  gaining;  llesh  and  strengtli  every 
day.  The  doctor  thinks,  as  my  general  health 
improves,  this  will  wear  away.  We  arejiappy 
and  comfortable  in  our  little  home.  Though 
sliort  of  funds  at  present,  we  can  trust  our 
Heavenly  Father." 

"  Mexicoville,  Jan.  2M,  1850. 

"  Dear  Bro.  C : — For  some  eight  or  ten 

days  I  have  been  endeavoring  to  summon  en- 
ergy to  write  to  you.  This  morning,  as  I  felt 
better  than  usual,  I  had  made  up  my  mind  to 
do  so  to-day,  when  your  somewhat  unexpected 
epistle,  with  the  enclosed  $15,  was  brought  in. 
I  have  not  room,  time  nor  power,  to  express  to 
you  the  gratitude  I  feel  to  you,  for  yr >ur  attention 
to,  and  considerate  care  of  my  wants,  in  those  my 
da3'S  of  protracted  illness.  The  Lord  will  reward 
you  for  it.  And  I  wish  you  to  i-eturn  my  hearty 
thanks  to  those  who  have  ministered  of  their 
substance  to  my  necessities.  I  am  making 
some  progress  toward  health.  But  my  stomach 
does  not  heal,  and  since  the  dropsy  left  me  I 
have  suffered  much  from  mucous  inflammation. 
My  stomach  is  sore  and  my  mouth  is  raw.  My 
lungs  are  sound  and  appetite  good.     I  suppose 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  215 

my  disease  is  a  simple  uncomplicated  case  of 
'  chronic  Gastritis.'  It  is  the  opinion  of  phy- 
sicians here,  and  it  is  my  own  opinion,  that  a 
sea  voyage  to  Florida,  the  West  Indies,  or  Rio 
Janeiro,  would  effect  in  me  a  complete  cure. 
Nothing  but  the  want  of  funds  hinders  my  tak- 
ing the  voyage  at  once.  All  things  have  been 
shaping  themselves  of  late,  to  favor  my  going. 
Four  weeks  ago  my  funds  were  reduced  to 
forty-four  cents ;  my  flour  and  wood  were 
nearly  out,  and  myself  lacking  several  ar- 
ticles of  clothing,  indispensable  to  my  go- 
ing abroad.  Since  then  I  have  received  $60 
in  cash,  the  garments  I  needed  most,  and 
provisions  in  the  line  of  food,  enough  to  last  us 
until  the  first  of  April,  with  the  exception  of 
meat  and  milk.  Though  afflicted,  feeble,  and 
chained  on  everj^  hand,  my  mind  is  kept  in 
perfect  peace ;  I  indulge  in  no  anxiety  as  to  the 
future.  Whatever  is  the  allotment  of  Provi- 
dence, I  shall  be  content.  1  sympathize  with 
you  in  all  your  labors,  trials  and  success,  and 
do  not  forget  you  at  a  throne  of  grace." 

"  Mexicoville,  Jan.  2Sd. 

"Dear  Bro.  F : — Your  letter,  with  the 

enclosed  $15,  came  duly  and  safely  to  hand, 
We  were  glad  to  hear  from  you,  and  thankful 
for  your   bounty ;    at  the  same  time   we  feel 


216  rmvAKD  wef.d. 

pained  to  he  obliged  to  receive  charity  from 
our  friends,  and  fearful  lest  your  bount}'  to  us 
might  embarrass  and  distress  yourself.  I  am 
afraid,  dear  brother,  that  you  have  been  more 
liberal  to  us  than  you  can  afford.  1  know  it  is 
said  in  the  scriptures,  that  '  he  that  sowetli 
bountifully,  shall  also  reap  bountifully.'  I  am 
Btill  a  poor  feeble  man  ;  my  prospects  for  imme- 
diate recovery  are  exceedingly  dull.  My  origi- 
nal disease,  'Gastritis,'  clmgs  to  me  with  the 
pertinacity  of  a  lion  to  his  prey.  I  think  it 
very  probable  the  dropsy  may  set  in  again  and 
carry  rae  off.  The  will  of  my  Heavenly  Fa- 
ther be  done.  I  indulge  in  no  anxieties  for  the 
future.  '  Sufficient  unto  the  day  is  the  evil 
thereof.'  '  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread,' 
'Jehovah  Jireth.'  Though  there  is  a  great  and 
wonderful  change  in  our  circumstances,  we  are 
happy  and  contented.  We  have  not  suffered 
for  want  of  any  of  the  common  comforts  of  life. 
Though  our  resources  have  at  all  times  been 
small,  our  measure  of  meal  and  cruse  of  oil 
have  not  failed.  AVe  trust  they  will  not.  Love" 
to  you  all,  and  a  heart  full  of  gratitude." 

"  Mexicoville,  Feh.  26^A. 
"Dear    Cochran:  —  Your    letter   came    to 
hand  Saturday   evening.     It  found  me  not  so 
well  as  when  I  wrote  to  Dr.  B .     Indeed,  I 


KAHU    AND    WOKKS.  217 

am  considerably  weaker  now  than  1  was  tlien. 
Tlie  pliysicians,  liowever,  advise  me  to  prose- 
cute my  intended  journey  east ;  to  take  it  in 
easy  stages,  as  my  strength  will  admit.     Mrs. 

W will  accompany  me,  to  nurse  and  wait 

,on  me.  If  the  journey  should  do  me  good,  and 
the  change  of  climate  and  sea-breeze  be  favora- 
ble in  its  effects  upon  me,  she  will  return  in  a 
few  weeks;  ifnof,  Isliali  return  witii  her.  Will 
you  take  pains  to  find  us  a  room  in  some  good 
boarding-house,  on  the  first  floor,  where  we  can 
have  a  bed  and  fire;  it  injures  me  very  much 
to  go  up  and  down  stairs.  I  wish  its  location 
may  be  near  the  public  stages.  It  is  our  inten- 
tion to  start  on  Thursday,  the  28th  inst.,  expect- 
ing to  reach  New  York  to-morrow  week.  Will 
you  oblige  us  by  meeting  us  at  the  landing 
with  a  suitable  carriage,  to  conduct  us  to  our 
lodgings.  If  we  do  not  meet  you  there  we 
shall  venture  to  go  dir-ectly  to  your  house.'- 


CnAPTER  XYIL 

LEAVES     MEXTCOVnXE GOES     TO     NEW     YORK 

HEALTH   IMPROVES SAILS    FOR    LIVKRPOOL. 

Mr.  Wkkd,  whose  strength  had  again  com- 
menced failing  very  rapidly,  left  Mexicoville, 
as  anticipated,  intending  to  go  to  New  York 
for  the  benefit  of  the  sea  air,  and  medical  ad- 
vice. He  had  been  so  well  at  one  time,  during 
his  stay  in  M.,  that  he  preached  several  times 
for  his  brother,  though  the  exertion  was  no 
doubt  a  great  detriment  to  his  health.  ■  AVhen 
he  was  ready  to  start  on  his  journey  he  could 
not  walk  across  the  room  without  fainting,  and 
was  carried  out  of  his  house  in  a  chair,  and  in 
that  helpless  state  was  lifted  into  the  stage, 
tiie  last  of  February,  and  when  the  ruads 
were  ver^  unsettled  Some  of  his  friends 
felt,  that  in  all  probability,  he  was  leaving 
his  iiome  to  die  on  the  way.  But  as  he  be- 
lieved, directed  by  Providence,  he  had  decided 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  219 

upon  the  best  course  to  pursue,  witli  the  sub- 
mission and  trust  of  ti  child,  he  left  the  result 
with  his  Heavenly  Father.  He  was  much  ex- 
hausted bj  his  journey,  and  for  some  days  there 
seemed  to  be  but  a  step  between  him  and  <leath. 
A  council  of  physiciaus  was  called,  who  ex- 
pressed only  a  faint  ray  of  hope,  which  was 
based  almost  entirely  on.  his  own  hopefulness 
of  his  case.  But  his  hour  had  not  yet  come — ■ 
the  medicine  and  sea-air  acted  like  a  charm, 
and  once  more  his  friends  were  elated  with  the 
hope  of  his  nltimate  restoration  to  health  and 
usefulness.  It  was  decided,  that  all  things 
considered,  his  continued  residence  in  New 
York  was  desirable.  Apartments  were  accord- 
ingly obtained  there,  and  his  family  removed 
thither  the  first  of  May.  The  last  of  May,  he 
penned  the  following  letter  to  his  brother: — 

"  Nkw  York,  Jfai/  SOfh,  1850. 
"  My  Dear  Bkothkr: — I  luive  delayed  writ- 
ing to  you,  a  long  time,  simply  because  I  have 
lacked  the  energy  to  address  myself  to  the  ef- 
fort. My  disease  has  produced  such  a  general 
feeling  of  lassitude,  and  such  inability  to  en- 
gage in  any  protracted  mental  effort,  that  it 
really  seems  to  me  u  herculean  task  to  write  a 
short  friendly  letter.  My  health  has  gradually 
improved  ever  since  I  came  to  the  city.     The 


220  EDWARD   WEED. 

homeopathic  remedies  have  acted  with  greater 
power  than  tiie  water  practice,  and  with  almost 
infinitely  less  labor  and  suffering.  My  symp- 
toms are  altogether  better  than  they  have  been, 
at  any  previous  period  of  my  sickness.  I  can 
ride  all  over  the  city,  and  walk  half  a  mile 
without  injury.  "We  have  now  g(jt  settled,  have 
a  comfurtable  residence,  and  feel  happy  in  our 
situation.  The  Lord  is  still  dealing  with  us 
witn  a  kind  and  bountiful  hand  ;  thus  far  all 
our  wants  have  been  supplied,  and'  we  have  no 
reason  to  fear  that  they  will  not  continue  to  be. 
I  find  it  exceed iui^ly  trying  to  be  laid  aside  so 
long,  to  be  nothing  but  a  dead  dog,  when  such 
stirring  events  are  constantly  transpiring  around 
me,  and  when  the  harvest  is  so  ripe  and  so 
abundant,  and  the  call  for  laborers  so  urgent. 
To  be  thus  laid  aside,  is  the  most  trying  part 
of  my  affliction." 

Some  time  in  June  he  visited  Paterson, 
and  on  the  Sabbath,  for  an  hour,  addressed 
his  former  congregation,  subsequently  spend- 
ing a  day  or  two  in  calling  on  friends  there. 
But  it  was  an  effort  beyond  his  strength, 
and  for  a  week  or  more  after  his  return  home 
he  lay  entirely  prostrated  by  it.  He,  however, 
soon  rallied,  and  commenced  sea-bathing,  which 
proved  very  beneficial. 


FAITH   AND   AVOUKS.  221 

The  following  letter  wjis  addressed  to  his 
eldest  son,  who  had  been  put  in  care  of  his  ma- 
ternal aunt,  and  to  whom  the  subjoined  letter 
was  sent  at  the  same  time  : — 

" New  York,  June  Titli,  1850. 
"  My  bear  child  Bp:nny  : — Your  father  was 
very  sorry  that  he  did  not  have  the  op])ortu- 
nity  of  seeing  you  before  you  went  to  Ohio. 
You  remember  he  was  very  sick  when  he  left 
Mexicoville.  lie  grew  worse  and  worse  until 
he  reached  New  York.  "When  he  arrived  there 
he  was  almost  dead.  All  the  doctors  shook 
their  heads,  and  doubted  whether  he  would 
ever  recover.  Tliey,  however,  commenced  giv- 
ing him  medicine,  which  at  once  had  a  good 
effect.  lie  began  to  get  better,  and  has  been 
improving  ever  since.  His  health  is  much  bet- 
ter now  than  it  has  been  since  he  was  first  taken 
sick.  All  the  doctors  and  friends  now  think  he 
will  get  well.  lie  is  strong  enough  to  ride  all 
over  the  city  in  the  publi<}  stages,  and  to  walk 
a  mile  or  more  at  a  time.  His  slee})  is  regular 
aiul  refreshing,  his  appetite  good,  and  his  coun- 
tenance and  whole  appearance  changed  for  the 
better.  He  hopes,  through  the  good  providence 
of  God,  to  be  a  well  man  again.  In  the  meau 
time,  he  feels  very  anxious  for  you.  He  wants 
you  to  be  a  good  boy,  and  to  grow  up  aud  be  a 


222  EDWAED   WEED. 

good,  intelligent  and  useful  man.  He  often 
thinks  of  you  on  his  bed,  and  prays  God  that 
he  will  keep  you  in  all  your  ways,  and  that  he 
•will  send  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  savingly  impress 
his  blessed  truth  upon  your  heart.  I  have  said 
I  wanted  you  to  be  a  good  hoy.  I  will  tell  you 
of  some  of  the  things  I  wish  you  to  do. 

"  1st,  I  wisli  you  to  cultivate  the  haiut  of 
praying  to  God,  and  of  trying  to  please  him  in 
all  that  you  do. 

"2d,  I  wish  you  to  cultivate  the habitof  strict 
obedience  to  those  who  have  the  care  of  you. 

"3d,  I  wish  yuu  to  be  very  careful  to  culti- 
vate the  habit  of  pui'e  conveisation — never  to 
speak  filthy  words,  silly  words,  lies,  nor  swear. 
Don't  use  your  tongue,  my  dear  boy,  fur  any 
evil. 

"4th,  I  wish  you  to  cultivate  the  habitof 
kindness  and  gentleness  in  your  intercourse 
■with,  and  treatment  of  others. 

"  5th,  I  wish  you  to  be  an  industrious  boy — 
i-eady  to  work,  ready  to  study  and  ready  to 
play. 

"  6th,  I  wish  you  to  be  a  neat  tidy  boy — to 
take  a  great  deal  of  pains  to  keep  yourself,  your 
clothes,  your  books,  and  every  thing  you  have, 
neat  and  in  good  order. 

"  7th,  I  wish  you  to  be  a  polite  boy,  or  a  boy 
of  good   manners.     This   im^jlies  propriety  of 


FArrn  and  wokks.  223 

conduct,  good  liabits  of  eating,  sitting,  wall<Iiig, 
conversing,  and  attention  to  the  rights  and 
])aj)])iiiess  of  others. 

"  8th,  Finally,  I  wish  yon  to  tiy  in  all  thu 
things  I  have  mentioned,  to  improve  yourself, 
and  to  pray  the  Lord  to  helj)  you  to  do  so.  If 
you  daily  endeavor  to  be  good,  in  the  seven 
respects  I  have  mentioned,  yon  cannot  but  be 
a  good  boy,  and  you  will  become  bettei-,  hap- 
pier and  more  lovcl}',  every  day.  Will  you 
get  your  aunt  to  read  these  seven  things, 
over  and  over  to  you,  until  you  get  them  all 
fixed  in  your  mind,  and  then  try,  with  all  your 
might,  to  be  what  your  father  desires  you  to 
be,  in  these  respects. 

"  My  dear  boy,  may  God  hless  you.  Your 
mother  is  very  well,  and  sends  a  great  deal  of 
love  to  you.  Josephine,  P^ddy  and  Albert  are 
well,  and  right  by  my  side,  playing  merrily. 
They  all  say,  send  love  to  Benny.  They  often 
talk  about  you  and  wish  you  were  liere.  AVe 
liave  a  cool  pretty  house  to  live  in,  with  a  nice 
flower  garden  in  front.  The  great  city,  with 
its  perpetual  noise,  is  all  around  ;  still  we  are 
very  hapi)y  and  contented.  It  may  be  that  I 
shall  go  to  Mount  Yernoii  in  the  fall.  As  soon 
as  I  get  well  I  shall  have  you  come  home. 
You  must  get  your  aunt  S to  write  a  letter 


224  EDWARD   WEED. 

for  you.  You  can  tell  her  what  you  want  her 
to  say.     FarewcU,  my  boy." 

Tlie  following  letter  to  his  aunt,  accompa- 
nied the  above  : — 

"  Dear    Sister    S : — AYe    expected   to 

have  heard  from  you  before  this.  Of  course, 
we  are  anxious  to  know  how  it  fares  with  our 
dear  child.  At  the  same  time,  you  may  rest 
assured  that  we  luive  the  fullest  contidence 
tliat  you  will  do  all  in  your  ])o\ver  for  liis  wel- 
fare. I  thought  my  writing  to  him  would  be 
a  stimulus  to  lead  him  on  in  the  riglit  way, 
and  thus  be  an  assistance  to  you.  As  to  my 
liealth,  and  our  circunistaiices  generally,  you 
will  learn  the  particulars  in  what  I  have  v/rit- 
teu  to  Benny.  We  are  very  comfortably  situ- 
ated.. We  t\'e\  that  tht^  Lord  has  ordered  all 
things  graciously,  in  reference  to  us.  We  en- 
deavor to  rest  under  the  shadow  of  his  wings. 
Is  it  decided  that  you  remove  to  the  west? 
What  time  will  you  go  ?  I  should  like  to  visit 
Mount    Yernon  next  fall,   if  my   liealth   and 

means  will  perniit.     I  presume  Bro.  S has 

received  my  letter  before  this,    llemember  me 

to  him  and  toE ;  also,  to  all  the  friends. 

Will  you  write  soon  ?  Wife  joins  me,  in  love 
to  yourself  and  husband." 


FAI'lll    AM  J)    WOiiKS.  226 

About  the  lir.st  of  July,  Mr.  AVced  received 
an  invitatiou  t'vom  Oaptaiu  Kaii^lit,  the  coui- 
mander  of  the  New  Wurhl,  sailing  between 
New  York  and  Liverpool,  to  go  in  liis  ship  to 
Liverpool  on  its  next  voyage  out.  After  hav- 
ing advised  with  his  physicians,  who  gave  their 
hearty  consent,  he  accepted  the  invitation, 
and  accordingly  sailed  from  New  York  in  the 
packet  ship  above  named.  lie  went  out  alone, 
with  no  kind  attendant  to  anticipate  his  wants, 
and  meet  the  exigences  attending  his  debility 
as  an  invalid.  He  was  dependent  upon  his 
friends  for  a  scanty  outfit,  and  necessarily  left 
his  family  unprovided  for,  at  home.  A  great 
sacrifice  of  feeling  was  made,  (compelled  by 
the  needs  be  of  poverty,)  in  that  parting  hour, 
and  through  months  of  painful  anxious  sepa- 
ration. Great  faith  was  needed  to  meet 
these  trying  scenes  with  cheerfulness,  and  un- 
shaken confidence  in  the  hand  of  Infinite 
wisdom  and  love,  that  dispensed  them.  But 
strong  hopes  were  entertained  that  he  would 
return  well,  and  be  able  again  to  assume  his 
wonted  labors. 

"  Ship  New  World,  Capt.  KInight,  ) 
Thursday,  July  I8th,  1850.        ) 
"  My  Dear  Bro.  Tuomas  : — I  sincerely  re- 
gret that  I  did  not  get  a  letter  from  you  before 


226  KDWAKD    WEKD. 

setting  out  on  this  tour.  I  luive  undertaken 
the  present  voyage  b_y  tlie  advice  of  my  phy- 
sicians, Drs.  Ball,  Yanderburg,  and  Ward. 
Their  views  fully  harmonized  upon  the  sub- 
ject. We  have  been  out  nine  days,  havejust 
entered  on  the  tenth,  have  had  line  weather, 
and  average  about  six  miles  an  hour.  We 
liave  been  for  the  last  two  days  sailing  in  the 
fog  and  over  the  banks  of  Newfoundland. 
Our  ship  moves  through  the  water  with  great 
quietness.  I  have  no  more  difficulty  in  writ- 
ing here  than  I  should  have  on  shore.  For 
the  first  four  or  live  days  all  the  passengers 
were  sick.  I  was  somewhat  affected,  but  not 
near  so  much  so  as  most.  It  is  the  opinion  of 
all  my  ship-mates  that  I  have  greatly  im- 
proved since  I  came  on  board.  I  think  my 
voyage  will  have  the  desired  effect;  I  am  bet- 
ter now,  and  stronger,  than  I  have  been  at  an 3' 
previous  time  since  I  was  taken  sick.  I  begin 
to  look  like  my  former  self,  and  I  think  my 
chronic  difficulty,  my  original  complaint,  is 
giving  way. 

"  I  am  still  the  child  of  Providence — I  go 
forth  not  knowing  whither  I  go,  how  long  I 
shall  stay,  or  what  shall  befall  me.  My  motto 
is  still,  ''Jehovah  Jireth,^  joined  M'ith  tlie 
prayer,  '  Give  me  this  day  my  daily  bread.' 
And  1  feel  that  there  is  a  Divine  Providence, 


FAITH    AND    WOKKS.  227 

presiding  over  and  directing  my  every  step.  I 
should  like  to  sit  down  by  your  side,  and  tell 
you  of  the  Lord's  wonderful  dealings  \vitli  me 
since  you  helped  to  put  me  on  board  the  stage 
at  Mexico.  It  has  been  to  me  a  perfect  mar- 
vel. I  think  it  would  l)e  to  you.  How  often 
do  I  think  of  tlie  first  verse  of  the  old  hymn 
we  so  frequently  sing  in  our  social  meetings  : 

'  When  I  can  read  my  title  clear 

To  mansions  in  the  skies, 
I'll  bid  farewell  to  every  fear 
And  wipe  my  weeping  eyes. 

What  has  a  man  to  fear,  or  cry  about,  when  he 
has  this  title  clear?  I  may  stay  in  England 
one,  three  months,  or  a  year  ;  all  remains  to 
be  developed  by  events  yet  to  occur.  This  is 
my  first  mental  eitbrt  since  coming  on  board. 
''Friday,  \Uh.—K\\  aboard  are  well,  the 
weather  line,  and  we  are  progressing  on  our 
regular  route  at  the  rate  of  about  seven  knots 
per  hour.  My  health  is  about  the  same  as 
yesterday.  Thus  far  all  is  harmony  and  con- 
cord. "We  do  not  appear  to  have  a  cross,  ugly 
spirit  aboard.  Love  and  kindness  seems  to 
pervade  the  whole  company.  We  have  also 
an  excellent  crew  ;  every  thing  goes  like  clock- 
work. Thus  far  our  voyage  has  been  a  de- 
lightful one.     Our  leisure  time  is   filled  up 


228.  EDWARD   WEED. 

with  reading,  exercise,  conversation,  lectures, 
mingled  with  appropriate  religious  exercises. 

^^  Fiida y,  J ul u  'liith. — Dear  Brother,  a  week 
has  elapsed  since  1  laid  down  my  pen  in  writ- 
ing to  you.  We  are  still  upon  the  ocean 
waves,  making  good  progress  towards  our  de- 
sired haven.  Thus  far  all  has  been  prosper- 
ous, except  that  scourge  of  all  ocean  travel- 
lers, sea-sickness,  visited  us  again  as  we  got 
off  the  banks  of  Newfoundland,  and  the 
breeze  strengthened.  Since  last  Saturday  we 
have  averaged  nine  knots  j)er  hour,  sometimes 
going  thirteen.  We  have  had  all  sorts  of 
weather,  except  the  violent  storm — rainy,  show- 
ery, fair,  warm,  and  cold.  All  is  pleasant  and 
agreeable  on  board.  We  have  an  exceedingly 
refined,  intelligent,  and  noble-minded  set  of 
passengers.  Of  them  I  will  say  more  at  an- 
other time.  We  expect  to  see  Cape  Clear  to- 
morrow. We  are  now  about  two  hundred 
miles  from  there — shall  probably  land  at  Liv- 
erpool Monday,  making  our  voyage  one  of 
twenty  days.     My  health  still  improves. 

"  Monday,  July  'iSith. — Dear  Brother : — 
Three  days  have  intervened  since  I  bade  you 
good  morning.  Two  of  these  days  we  had  a 
splendid  sail,  averaging  ten  knots  per  hour. 
Saturday  morning,  early,  we  came  in  sight  of 
Cape  Clear,  the  south-west  point  of  Ireland, 


FAITH    AJNI)    WOIiKS.  229 

and  entered  wli:it  is  called  St.  George's  Cluiii- 
nel.  All  day,  with  a  lair  wind,  we  sailed 
along  the  Irish  coast,  say  within  tiv^e  miles  of 
it.  It  was  a  grand  and  pleasant  view.  The 
80  called  nu^uiitains  of  Ireland,  are  what  we 
should  call  hills,  and  are  cultivated  to  t.heir 
summits.  We  could  see  the  meadows,  grain 
fields,  villages,  country  seats,  castles  and  tow- 
ers. At  night  the  ship  tacked  and  stood  for 
the  Welch  coast.  Yesterday  morning  we  were 
in  full  view  of  the  Welch  mountains,  but  be- 
calmed. During  the  whole  day,  our  noble 
ship  made  but  four  or  five  miles  headway. 
Some  of  our  passengers  were  impatient,  but 
most  of  them  "received  the  dispensation  with 
quiet  calmness.  It  was  a  splendid  day,  and 
we  were  continually  surrounded  with  nnde- 
finable  and  indescribable  beauty  and  gran- 
deur. I  am  never  tired  of  looking  at  the  sea. 
The  varied,  pleasing,  and  intense  emotions  en- 
kindled by  the  view,  cannot  be  expressed. 
The  proper  conception  of  it  can  be  obtained 
only  by  the  sight.  This  morning  we  found 
ourselves  otf  Holy-Head,  on  the  island  of  An- 
glesey, Wales — the  coast  of  Wales  fully,  an  ^  I 
might  say  gloriously  in  view.  The  weather 
is  fine,  but  the  breezes  light,  and  we  are  mak- 
ing very  little  progress.  Are  now  about  fifty 
or  sixty  miles  from  Liverpool.     We  do  not  ex- 


230  KUWAKl)    WF.ICD. 

jDect  to  arrive  there  until  to-morrow.  All  is 
Btill  prosperous  and  pleasant  on  board  the  ship. 
I  am  treated  with  the  greatest  kindness  and 
respect.  Unbeknown  to  me,  a  purse  of  ten 
pound  was  made  up  for  my  aid,  by  the  Cap- 
tain and  four  others:  The  goodness  and  mercy 
of  God  attends  me.  His  love  fills  me,  and  his 
light  guides  me.  I  go  forth  literally  a  child 
of  Providence,  not  knowing  wliither  I  go.  I 
have,  however,  no  fear.  My  hope,  my  trust, 
isTn  God  alone.  I  shall  endeavor  not  to  take 
a  single  step,  without  his  clear  light  shining 
on  ni}^  path.  I  shall  write  to  you  as  I  have 
time  and  ojiportuuity.  I  shall  expect  to  re- 
ceive frc(picut  communications  from  you. 
Mucli  love  to  the  friends ;  I  feel  a  tender  inte- 
rest in  them  all,  and  a  load  of  oblii::ation  for 
their  kindness  to  me.  The  Lord  reward  them. 
My  health  continues  to  improve. 

'-^  July  30th. — AVe  are  safel}^  moored  in  the 
Liverpool  harbor.  We  have  had  a  delightful 
passage.     My  health  is  greatly  imin-oved." 

"  Snip,  Jul//  'lOth,  1850. 
"  My  Dear  Wifk  : — -It  is  with  ])eculiar  emo- 
tions that  I  sit  dmvn  to  write  to  you.  The 
manner  in  M'hich  you  interested  and  exerted 
yourself  to  enable  me  to  go  this  voyage,  greatly 
endeared  you  to  me.     I  felt  that  there  was  a 


FAITH    AND    WOKlvS.  2ol 

sacrifice  and  givino;  up  your  own  comfort,  for 
my  sake,  that  culled  upon  me  for  the  liearti- 
est  acknowledgment  aiid  the  liveliest  grati- 
tude. You  may  be  assured  that  my  heart 
and  eyes,  turn  not  only  with  deep,  but  also 
with  the  sweetest  interest,  toward  No.  1  E. 
llth-street.  New  York.  To  me  it  is  a  sacred 
spot.  You  are  undoubtedly  anxious  to  know 
the  effect  of  the  voyage  upon  my  health.  My- 
self, and  all  m}'  fellow-passengers,  are  of  the 
opinion  that  I  have  been  greatly  benefitted. 
My  circulation  is  much  better,  my  strength 
considerably  increased,  and  the  mucous  irrita- 
tion not  nearly  so  great  as  when  I  left  home. 
Thus  far  our  voyage  has  been  a  very  pleasant 
one.  I  have  been  treated  with  great  kindness 
by  my  fellow-passengers.  The  Lord  raises  up 
friends  for  me  wherever  I  go. 

"  25^A, — Five  days  have  intervened  since  I 
commenced  this  to  you.  "We  are  still  upon 
the  great  waters,  and  making  good  progress 
towards  om*  destined  port.  Saturday  eve- 
ning, the  sea  grew  rough,  and  many  of 
our  passengers  had  a  retnrn  of  sea-sickness, 
and  were  confined  to  their  berths  all  day 
Sabbath.  Of  course,  we  had  no  religious 
services.  I  have  stood  the  voyage  well,  have 
lost  but  two  meals  since  I  came  aboard,  gained 
strength  daily,  and  have  been  able  to  take 


232  EDWARD    AVKICD. 

care  of  myself  without  any  extra  help.  Mr. 
Beeclier  has  been  sea-sick  nearly  all  the  way, 
and  confined  mostly  to  his  berth.  Still,  lie 
and  all  of  us,  think  it  is  doing  him  good. 

'"''  July  Both. — It  is  with  emotions  of  joy  and 
gratitude  to  God,  that  I  announce  our  safe  ar- 
rival in  Liverpool  harbor.  Mercy  and  good- 
ness has  thus  far  attended  me.  I  hope  to  be 
prudent  in   the   use  of  my  strength.      I  have 

formed  a  high  opinion  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  S ; 

they  know  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  They 
will  return  with  the  ship,  and  will  call  and  see 
you.  Judge  W and  wife  have  been  par- 
ticularly kind  to  me." 


CHAPTER  XYIII. 

LETTEKS   FKOM   ENGLAifD. JOURNAL. 

'  Liverpool,  Aug.  St?. 
"  My  Dear  Wife  : — I  wrote  you  very  fully 
by  the  '  Niagara,'  but  was  greatly  disappointed 
on  my  arrival  here  not  to  find  any  coininuni- 
cation  from  you.  I  hope  you  will  not  be  re- 
miss in  writing  to  n.ie,  Renieniber,  that  I  am 
sick  and  alone  in  a  foreign  country,  and  that  I 
shall  be  anxious  to  hear  from  j'ou  at  every  ar- 
rival. Tuesday  and  "VTednesday  I  overdid, 
■wiiicH  made  me  very  feeble.  What  will  be 
the  final  result  I  cannot  tell.  Much  will  de- 
pend upon  my  prudence.  I  have  cnrntbrtable 
lodgings  and  wholesome  food,  in  a  Welsh  fam- 
ily. The  house  is  but  a  i^iw  rods  from  the 
great  Liverpool  docks.  I  shall  go  to  Wales 
(D.  Y.)  next  week. 


231  EDWARD    WEED. 

"  LivKRPOoL,  Aug.  9th. 
"  You  see,  I  am  still  in  this  city.  I  expect 
to  leave  this  P.  M.  at  live  for  Chester,  where 
I  shall  stay  a  few  days,  and  then  proceed  on  to 
Wales.  I  received  your  letter  per  the  '  Atlan- 
tic' I  cannot  tell  you  how  much  good  it  did 
me.  I  wept  like  a  child  ;  and  when  you  told 
of  the  children's  sickness,  and  their  asking  '  whj' 
does  not  father  come  back  V  streams  flowed 
down  my  cheeks — which,  as  I  write  about  it, 
start  aijain.  I  cannot  tell  you  how  my  heart 
yearns  over  you  and  m^-  little  ones.  I  trust  a 
brighter  d;iy  will  soon  dawn  upon  us.  This  is 
the  third  letter  I  have  written  you  since  land- 
ing. The  '  Europa'  sails  to-morrow,  and  T 
Could  not  let  the  opportunity  pass  without  say- 
ing a  word  to  you.  When  I  last  wrote  I  was 
quite  unwell.  I  am  now  much  better  than  I 
have  been  since  I  was  taken  sick.  I  trust,  by 
the  blessing  of  God  and  due  care  on  my  part, 
my  health  will  be  restored.  I  send  by  this 
steamer  two  papers  for  the  little  boys.  Tell 
them  all  you  can  about  me,  that  I  remefiiber 
and  pray  for  them  daily,  and  hope  before  a 
iireat  while  to  '  come  back'  and  see  them.  Do 
not  be  anxious  about  means — the  Lord  will 
provide." 


FAirn  AND  WORKS.  235 

"  ClIKSTER,  Au(/.  12th. 

"My    Dkar    Brotiikr    P : — From    tlic 

heading  of  my  letter  yon  will  perceive  that  I 
am  in  old  England.  The  Providence  that  lias 
brought  me  hei-e  has,  indeed,  been  peculirtr, 
3'et  I  see  clearly  iu  it  all  the  hand  of  my 
Heavenly  Father,  I  doubt  not  he  has  both 
directed  and  guided  my  footsteps  hither.  My 
health  has  greatly  improved  since  I  left 
liome,  and  is  still  advancing.  I  am,  at  present, 
very  pleasantly  situated  in  a  lovely  Christian 
family,  they  are  as  kind  and  attentive  as' 
though  they  were  my  own  kindred.  The  town 
is  not  only  a  very  ancient  one,  abounding  with 
ancient  antiquities,  but  is  also  most  deliglit- 
fully  situated.  I  shall  probably  remain  here 
some  weeks.  The  climate  is  good,  and  I  have 
the  jirospect  that  m.y  health  will  be  restored. 
I  trust  I  shall  be  able  again  to  resume  my  la- 
Ixn's  as  a  minister  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Chi'ist. 
My  afflictions  have  been  protracted  and  severe, 
yet  I  feel  that  God  has  ordered  them  all  in 
mercy.  I  needed  the  burning  ordeal,  and  I 
pray  that  it  may  accomplish  that,  in  and  for 
me,  for  which  heaven  has  sent  it  upon  me. 
You  may  think  I  am  having  a  very  easy  and 
pleasant  time  of  it.  I  am  happy,  ray  mind  is 
peaceful,  but  it  arises  from  spiritual  conso- 
lation, and  not  from  worldly  enjoyments.     I 


236  EDWARD    WEED. 

am  too  feeble  to  enjoy  si<:;lit-seeing,  or  for  toin'- 
iiig  about  to  see  the  wonders  of  this  great  and 
ancient  kingdom.  Still,  I  begin  to  enjoy  my- 
self somewhat  in  this  way.  The  city  I  am 
now  in  is  situated  on  the  banks  of  the  river 
Dee,  and  is  one  of  the  oldest  boroughs  of  Eng- 
land. It  was  a  place  of  some  importance  un- 
der the  Romans  before  the  Cliristian  Era.  It 
has  a  wall  surrounding  the  whule  city,  sur- 
mtnmted  by  old  towers,  and  affording  a  very 
beautiful  promenade.  It  is  about  lifteen  miles 
'suiith  of  Liverpool,  and  contains  about  30,000 

population.     Will  you  and  J write  to  me  ? 

It  would  cheer  me  much  to  get  a  letter  from 
you  in  this  land  of  strangers.  Love  to  all  the 
dear  friends." 

"  CnESTER,  Aug.  15th. 

"My  Dear  Wife: — Yesterday  I  received 
your  second  letter,  it  was  to  me  like  water  in  a 
tljirsty  land.  While  reading  streams  ran  down 
my  cheeks.  I  cannot  express  how  much  my 
heart  turns  to  you  and  the  dear  children.  I 
have  but  one  consolation,  that  is,  committing 
you  to  the  care  of  II im  who  has  told  us  to  cast 
all  our  care  on  Ilhn^  for  he  careth  for  us. 

"  Dear  little  A r?  ^^ow  I  should  love  to 

hold  him  in  my  arms  and  press  him  to  my 
bosom !     I   somehow  have  a  confidence   that 


FAITH    AND    WORKS.  237 

the  Lord  will  spare  him  to  us.  I  am  glad  you 
are  led  to  lean  upon  the  promises  of  the  Lord. 
They  are  our  inheritance  and  support,  and  he 
who  has  made  them  is  the  faithful  God,  and 
lives  to  make  them  good.  You  will  perceive 
by  the  heading  of  my  letter  that  I  have  left 

L for   C .     This  town    is   one  of  the 

most  ancient  in  England,  and  is  the  shire  town 
of  Cheshire  county,  situated  on  the  river  Dee. 
The  view  is  enchanting,  the  air  fresh  and  in- 
vigorating. Tiiis,  too,  was  the  scene  of  the 
laboi's  of  the  excellent  and  piou?  Matthew 
Henry,  the  commentator;  and  here  his  hon- 
ored dust  reposes. 

"  Here  also  now  Kev.  R.  Knill,  formerly 
missionary  to  St.  Petersburg,  and  author  of 
several  Christian  tracts,  has  a  chapel.  I  have 
made  his  acquaintance  and  that  of  his  truly 
Christian  family.  They  have  been  deeply 
afflicted,  and  know  how  to  succor  their  breth- 
ren in  distress.  Providence  has  directed  me 
to  excellent  lodgings,  with  a  kind,  pious  "Welsh 
family.  I  am  treated  with  as  much  care  and 
kindness  as  though  I  was  one  of  the  family. 
Indeed  I  never  had  xny  every  want  more  plea- 
santly anticipated.  Mrs.  T ,  who  is  a  de- 
voted Christian,  does  what  she  does  for  me  for 
Christ's  sake,  because  she  esteems  me  a  ser- 
vant of  his.     I  shall  probably  remain  here  a 


238  EDWAltD    WEED. 

week  or  ten  days  longer.  For  tlie  last  twenty- 
four  hours  I  have  been  very  feeble,  and  doubts 
arise  in  my  mind  about  my  ever  getting  well, 
though  I  have  increased  in  health  and  strength 
since  I  left  home." 

"  Liverpool,  Aug.  22d. 
"  I  came  to  this  city  yesterday  P.  M.  to  see 

Captain  K ,  and  Rev,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  S 

before  they  sail.  To-morrow  the  '  New  World' 
sails  for  New  York.  I  make  my  abode  still 
with  the  same  family  in  Chester.  They  are 
such  a  delightful  household  I  shall  regret  leav- 
ing them.  My  health  is  improving,  I  have 
gained  flesh,  and  my  color  is  good  ;  my  stom- 
ach and  bowel  difficulty  do  not  leave  me. 
Wiiat  is  before  me,  life  or  death,  health  or 
sickness,  I  know  not.  But  my  chief  desire, 
and  my  most  earnest  prayer  is,  that  the  will  of 
God  be  done.  At  present  I  am  paying  very 
strict  attention  to  my  diet  and  all  my  habits ; 
and  my  heart  is  greatly  drawn  out  in  prayer, 
that  God  will  glorify  himself  in  me.  I  have 
never  felt  before,  so  much  as  I  have  of  late, 
that  I  could  not  pray  fur  anything  definite  in 
the  way  of  temporal  blessings.  I  feel  that  I 
do  not  know  what  is  best  tor  me.  My  only 
prayer  is.  Lord,  direct,  thou  knowest  what  is 
best.     I  expect  this  morning  to  go  to   Man- 


FAITH    AND    WOKlvS.  239 

Chester,  where  I  shall  probably  abide  until 
Monday,  and  then  return  to  C^iester,  and  from 
there  go  to  North  "Wales,  where  I  intend  to  re- 
main some  weeks  in  the  country.     I  wrote  last 

week  to  Brother  F .     He   has  closed   his 

laboi-s  in  London,  wliere  he  has  been  greatly 
successful.  If  I  return  home  this  fall  I  shall 
probably  leave  here  about  the  11th  of  October. 
Should  my  health  improve,  so  that  I  can  en- 
gage in  labor,  I  shall  remain  and  try  to  earn 
something  before  I  return.  I  feel  a  great  re- 
luctance to  return  sick  and  be  still  a  burden  to 
my  friends.  My  heart  still  turns  towards  our 
little  abode.  What  a  comfort  it  would  be  to 
see  you  and  the  dear  cliildren  !  May  God,  in 
his  infinite  mercy,  comfort  and  console  you." 

"  Parkgate,  Aug.  SOth. 
"  I  am  still  in  Cheshire  county.  This  place 
is  about  twelve  miles  below  Chester,  on  the 
river  Dee,  and  is  a  delightful  country  village, 
most  enchantingly  situated.  It  spreads  itself 
along  in  a  direct  line  on  the  Dee,  which  is 
here  between  two  and  three  miles  wide.  A 
solid  wall,  built  of  hard  red  sandstone,  extends 
some  four  miles  along  the  bank  of  the  river, 
which  aiFords  a  most  admirable  promenade. 
On  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  is  the  princi- 
pality of  Wales,  presenting  a  most  j/icture.squo 


240  EDWARD    WEED. 

and  pleasing  scene.  And  what  adds  greatly 
to  the  loveliness  of  the  whole  is,  it  is  now  in 
the  height  of  their  harvost.  This  place  is  dis- 
tinguished for  its  healthful ness,  fine  sea-breezes, 
and  facilities  for  sea-bathing.  I  came  here 
last  "Wednesday,  and  expect  to  remain  until 
Monday.  When  {Deo  volente)  I  shall  cross 
over  into  AVales,  visit  Conway,  and  a  celebra- 
ted watering-place  near.  At  present  I  am 
aiming  at  one  single  point,  the  restoration  of 
my  health.  A  great  improvement  has  taken 
place  during  the  last  ten  days.  My  color  is 
almost  as  fresh  and  healthfid  as  it  ever  was, 
my  strength  considerably  increased,  and  were 
I  free  from  the  irritation  of  the  nmcous  mem- 
brane of  my  mouth  and  stomach,  I  should  feel 
there  was  but  a  few  steps  to  perfect  health. 
But  it  still  hangs  about  me,  casting  a  damp  on 
all  my  hopes.  Still  I  can  cast  all  my  cares 
upon  the  Lord,  knowing  that  he  cares  for  me. 
'  Give  me  this  day  my  daily  bread,'  is  still  my 
prayer.  My  mind  turns  continually  to  you 
and  tiie  dear  children.  Day  and  night  you 
are  ever  present  with  me.  Two  steamers  have 
come  without  my  receiving  any  letter.  Before 
this  you  have  received  my  first  two  letters,  and 
you  will  now  hear  regularly  once  in  two  weeks, 
sometimes  weekly.  Our  Heavenly  Father  will 
provide.     Tell  Brother  and  Sister  C I  in- 


FAITH   AND    WORKS.  241 

tend  writing  them  soon.     I  have  not  yet  seen. 

Brother   F ,  and   have   received   bnt   ono 

communication  from  him.  Shall  probably  visit 
tlie  South  of  England  the  latter  part  of  the 
month. 

''  This  is  the  day  for  Professor  W 's  ex- 
ecution. As  I  awoke  this  morning,  I  thought 
of  him  and  his  dear  family.  O  how'Tn}'^  heart 
pities  them!  My  earnest  prayer  has  gone,  and 
is  going  up  for  them  all.  Aii !  my  deai',  this 
is  trial,  this  affiiction.     Were  I  in  his  place, 

and  you    in   Mrs.  W 's   place,  how   much 

more  insupportable  the  burden  than  our  pre- 
sent affliction  !  May  God  have  mercy  upon 
them.  Tell  the  little  boys,  father  remembers 
th^m  and  loves  them,  and  hopes,  through  the 
goodness  of  God,  to  come  back  to  them  a  well 

man.     Also,  dear  J ,  I  hope  she  will  be  a 

good  girl." 

"  Chestkr,  Sept.  ISth. 
"  Night  before  last  I  was  made  glad  by  the 
reception  of  three  letters  from  you,  one  from 

Brother  T ,  and  one  from  Brother  W . 

The  whole  was  almost  too  great  and  too  rich  a 
feast  for  one  in  my  delicate  state  to  endure.  I 
was  very  sorry  to  hear  of  your  poor  health.  I 
would  advise  you  not  to  attempt  to  do  heavy, 
fatiguing  work,  such  as  washing,  ironing,  &c. 


242  EDWARD    WEED. 

Hire  these  done.  Don't  fear  the  speech  of 
people.  Look  to  j^our  Ileavenl}-  Father.  He 
knows  tJKit  you  need  rest,  and  is  willing  that 
you  should  have  it,  and  will  see  to  it  that  your 
wants  are  supplied  without  your  sacritichig 
your  life.  You  need  not  fear  but  that  we  shall 
be  sustained.  And  right  here  let  nie  say,  be 
"willing, ^n  your  part,  to  receive.  I  know  it  is 
more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive ;  but 
sometimes  it  is  made  clearly  our  duty  to  take 
the  less  blessed  condition,  and  become  mere 
recipients. 

"  Since  I  last  wrote  you  I  have  been  very 
sick,  as  much  so  as  at  any  time  since  I  was 
taken  down.  I  had  a  most  violent  attack  of 
acute  gastritis.  The  pain  was  excessively  se- 
vere, and  for  tliree  or  four  days  it  seemed  to 
be  nearly  all  over  with  )ne.  I  gave  you  all 
up,  nor  friends,  nor  kindred,  nor  country  ex- 
pected I  ever  to  see  more.  Nature  bled  at 
every  pore,  but  God,  who  hath  delivered  me 
in  all  my  troubles,  appeared  for  my  help  in 
this.  He  has  raised  me  from  that  bed  of  pain 
and  anguish,  and  made  ray  soul  to  overflow 
with  joy  and  blessing.  The  air  at  Parkgate 
proved  too  bracing  for  me,  and  irritated  my 
stomach,  rather  than  helped  it.     I  returned  to 

C to  Mr.  T 's.     He  and  his  wife  have 

been  all  to  me  that  the  tenderest  father  and 


FAITH    AND    WORKS.  243 

mother  conla  l)o,  and  tlicir  sons  as  attentive 
and  lovinij  as  brothers.  Every  want  was  anti- 
cipated and  supplied.  I  have  in  atten<hvnce 
Dr.  Norton,  a  homceopathic  physician,  in 
wh'om  I  have  the  utmost  confidence.  His 
treatment,  thus  far,  has  been  very  successful, 
and  my  prospects  of  a  final  recovery  are  better 
than  ever.  Though  I  am  delicate  as" a  child, 
my  symptoms  are  all  better.  The  Lord  is 
raising  me  up  helpers  on  every  side.  All  that 
I  can  do  is  to  stand  still,  love,  and  adore. 
The  Lord  fills  me  with  the  joys  of  his  salva- 
tion. Be  not  anxious  about  me.  Rest,  mj 
dear,  and  trust  the  Lord.  Kiss  the  dear  boys 
for  me.     My  heart  cleaves  to  you  all." 

"  Chester,  Sept.  ^Ist. 
"  I  have  taken  a  very  small  piece  of  paper, 
simply  to  say,  that,  since  I  wrote  last  week, 
my  health  has  rapidly  improved.  In  every 
respect,  I  am  happy  and  comfortable.  And 
though  separated  from  my  family,  whom  I 
love  as  my  own  life,  a  stranger  in  the  midst  of 
strangers,  and  a  foreign  land,  still  I  am  very 
happy.  '  Kot  a  wave  of  trouble  rolls  across 
my  breast.'  I  can  sweetly  leave  all  with 
God.  I  am  doing  well  under  my  present 
treatment,  and  hope  to  return  to  you  a  well 
man.     I  wrote  to  you  last  week  at   length ; 


244:  ^v  EDWARD    WEED. 

shall  {Deo  volente)  do-  so  again  next  week.     I 

expect  Brother  F and  wife  here  next  week 

to  se^  me.  This  is  the  day  of  oiir  trial,  let  us 
abide  it,  kissing  the  hand  that  smites.^  I  doubt 
not  tliat  God  will  watch  over  you  for  good. 
Say  to  the  dear  chddren,  father  remembers 
them  and  loves  them." 

"  Chkstek,  Sept.  26^A. 
"Tour  letter  of  tiie  28th  ultimo  came  to 
hand  last  week.  It  did  me  much  good.  While 
it  distressed  me,  it  also  greatly  comforted  me. 
I  v'Tlg7^^j'gf?g?sed  at  the  account  you  gave  of 
your  health,  and  comforted  that  you  was  suc- 
cessfully seeking  the  Lord,  and  that  he  was 
leading  you  in  the  right  way.  I  was  greatly 
interested  in  your  account  of  the  '  Memoirs  of 
the  Mrs.  Judsons,'  and  highly  delighted  with 
the  poetry  you  sent  me.  The  life  of  faith,  as 
illustrated  in  the  career  of  such  persons,  is 
pre-eminently  adapted  to  stimulate  us  onward 
in  the  path  of  holiness.  For  the  last  few  days 
I  have  been  poorly.  Have  had  another  attack 
of  acute  gastritis,  am  contined  to  the  house, 
but  the  inflammation  is  subsiding,  and  my 
vitality  reviving.  In  reference  to  my  recover- 
ing my  health,  I  am  constantly  alternating 
between  hope  and  fear.  Still  I  can  say, 
Blessed  I/yrd^  thy  will  he  done.     To  us  these 


FAITH   AND    WORKS.  245 

are  days  of  severe  temponil  trial,  and  it  be- 
comes us  to  humble  ourselves  under  the  mighty 
hand  of  God,  and  to  earnestly  seek  that  his 
chastening  may  accomplisli  for  our  souls  what 
his  love*and  mercy  intends  it  shall.  Let  us 
not  faint  under  his  rebuke,  but  encourage  our- 
selves in  his  promises,  and  say,  with  Job, 
'Though  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  him.' 
The  following  beautiful  hymn  has  greatly 
comforted  me : 

"  *  Be  still,  my  heart,  these  anxious  cares 
To  thee  arc  burdens,  thorns,  and  snares  ; 
They  cast  dishonor  on  thy  Lord, 
And  contradict  his  gracious  word. 

Brought  safely  by  his  hand  thus  far, 
"Why  wilt  thou  now  giv'e  place  to  fear  ? 
How  canst  thou  want,  if  he  provide  ? 
Or  lose  thy  way  with  such  a  guide  ? 

When  first  before  the  mercy-seat, 
Thou  didst  thy  all  to  him  commit, 
He  gave  thee  warrant,  from  that  hour, 
To  trust  his  wisdom,  love,  and  power. 

Did  ever  trouble  yet  befell, 
And  He  refuse  to  hear  thy  call  ? 
And  has  he  not  his  promise  past, 
That  thou  shalt  overcome  at  last  ? 

He  who  has  helped  me  hitherto. 
Will  help  me  all  my  journey  through, 
Aud  give  me  daily  cause  to  raise 
New  Ebenezers  to  his  praise. 


246  EDWARD    WKED. 

Though  rough  ami  tliorny  be  tlio  road, 
It  leads  thee  home,  apace  to  God  ; 
Then  count  the  present  trials  small, 
For  heaven  will  make  amends  lor  all.' 

"  The  goodness  of  God  is  still  conspicuous  to- 
wards me,  in  raising  up  kind,  sympathizing 
friends,  and  in  providing  amply  for  aU  niy 
wants.  The  dear  family  with  whom  I  lodge 
are  still  unwearied  in  their  attentions  to  me.  I 
lack  no  comfort  friends  can  procure,  'and  I 
know  not  how  I  could  be  better  situated  for  re- 
covery. Did  I  suppose  tjjere  was  no  reason- 
able prospect  of  my  being  restored  to  health,  I 
should  make  an  effort  to  return  home  as  soon 
as  circumstances  would  allow.  If  I  am  to  die, 
it  is  my  strong  desire  to  die  in  the  bosom  of 
my  family,  and  in  iuy  own  country ;  I  should 
like  to  breathe  my  last  in  the  arms  of  my  dear 
wife,  and  in  the  presence  of  my  beloved  chil- 
dren, and  brothers  and  sisters ;  to  let  you  have 
the  last  sad  office  of  closing  my  eyelids.  God 
may  have  some  better  thing  than  this  in  store 
for  us  ;  let  us  be  prepared  for  the  worst,  and 
hope  for  the  best. 

"  27M. — This  morning  I  awoke  refreshed, 
and  to-day  I  am  better.  The  inflammation  of 
my  stomach  is  subsiding.  Should  you  come 
in  this  morning  you  would  see  that  I  look  much 
better  than  I  did  when  I  left  home.     We  have 


FAITH    AND    WOKKS.  247 

had  vei-}' fine  weather  li ere  during  this  month. 
This  morning  is  a  very  beautiful,  lovely  one. 
Your  letters  do  not  come  regular;  sometimes  I 
get  two  or  three  at  a  time.  I  send  papers  witii 
pictures  ti)  amuse  the  little  'boys  ;  I  want  yon 
to  let  them   know  that   I  send  them  to  them. 

I  expect  Brother  F and   his  wife  here,  on 

their  return  from  the  continent.  Whatever  be- 
tides us,  let  us  stay  ourselves  upon  the  -Lord. 
He  still  keeps  my  mind  in  a  sweet,  calm,  hea- 
venly state." 

"  Chester,  Oct.  'ind. 

"  I  am  greatly  disappointed  in  not  receiving 
any  letter  for  the  last  two  weeks.  Still  I  do  nut 
allow  myself  to  be  made  unhappy  by  it ;  I  be- 
lieve in  the  truth  of  tlie  Scripture  declaration, 
that  '  all  tilings  bhall*  work  tt)gether  for  the  good 
of  those  that  love  God.  I  have  suffered  much 
since  I  last  wrote  to  you,  but  am  better  now, 
and  sanguine  in  my  hope  of  getting  well.  I 
think  I  am  pursuing  the  right  course  to  secure 
that  end.  My  physician  is  aiming  at  one 
single  point — to  remove  the  original  disease. 
His  prescriptions  of  medicine,  diet,  and  exer- 
cise, all  bear  upon  that  point,  and  I  think  with 
evident  success. 

"  3/'cZ. — I  have  laid  myself  down  and  slept, 
and  arose  refreshed.     The  Lord  tills  me  with 


248  EDWAKD   WEED. 

Lis  goodness,  and  causes  me  to  joy  wifh  ex- 
ceeding grent  joy.  I  feel  very  solicitous  in  re- 
ference to  your  health.  I  think  you  ought  to 
set  rieriously  about  seeking  its  recovery.  When 
I  shall  return  (if-over)  is  not  yet  decided  in 
my  own  mind.  My  heart  yearns  fur  my  home 
and  family.  Let  us  control  our  natural  feel- 
ings and  desires,  and  wait  patiently  the  de- 
velopments of  Providence.  The  Lord  is  at  pre- 
sent giving  me  a  rich  experience  and  great  de- 
light in  his  word.  I  am  beholding  wondrous 
things  out  of  his  law:  every  morning  I  awake 
early,  and  my  mind  runs  sweetly  up  and  down 
the  Divine  record.  It  is  now  Friday,  4th,  be- 
tween 10  and  11  o'clock,  A.M.  Yon  are  still 
locked  in  slumbei's,  but  I  have  been  up  several 
hours — have  read  a  portion  of  Scripture,  and 
have  lifted  my  prayer  for  self,  wife,  little  ones, 
country,  and  the  whole  work  of  God,  in  this 
dying  world.  I  trust  I  shall  hear  from  you  the 
next  steamer.  Tell  the  dear  children  father 
prays  for  them,  and  wants  them  to  pray  for 
him." 

"  CnESTER,  Oct.  15th. 

"  Last  week  I  received  two  lettei-s  from  you ; 

bringing  the  date  up  to  the  21st  of  last  month. 

It  was  cheering  to  learn   that   you   and   the 

children   were    enjoying    a    good    degree    of 


FAITH    AND    WOKKS.  249 

health.  I  am  slowly  but  daily  improving,  but 
I  am  obliged  to  be  very  cautious  on  every  hand 
lest  I  induce  a  relapse.  My  cruse  ot"  oil  dues 
not  yet  fail  ;  I  have  no  anxiety  for  myself;  I 
do,  however,  feel  a  great  anxiety  that  you  and 
the  dear  children  shall  be  abundantly  provided 
for,  so  that  your  mind  may  be  relieved  from  all 
anxiety  on  that  score.  I  hope  the  Lord  w^ill 
give  you  strong  faith  in  his  providing  care. 
There  are  many  things  I  should  like  to  write 
to  you  about,  but  writing  is  tiie  must  trying 
labor  I  perform.  It  taxes  my  strength  more 
than  anything  else,  therefore  I  have  to  be  very 
careful  in  reference  to  it.  Tlie  Lord  still  keeps 
my  mind  in  a  heavenly,  quiet,  and  peaceful 
state." 

"  Chester,  Oct.  2Uh. 
'^  Your  last  letter  came  by  the  '  Atlantic,'  and 
arrived  here,  thirteen  days  from  date.  For 
the  last  few  days  I  have  been  very  unwell ; 
find  all  my  powers  very  feeble,  and  that  the 
least  imprudence  puts  me  back.  The  cold 
weather  is  going  to  try  me  exceedingly — for 
the  most  part  I  shall  have  to  keep  my  room. 
I  am  convinced  that  it  would  be  perilous  for 
me  to  attempt  to  go  home.  I  often  doubt 
■whether  I  shall  ever  see  again  my  beloved 
country,  my  dear  wife  and  children,  my  other 


250  EDWARD   WEED. 

relatives,  and  dear  friends.  All  this  is  in  the 
hands  of  Divine  Providence,  and  I  can  leave 
it  to  such  a  w  ise  disposal.  Still  it  adds  to  my 
affliction,  in  my  feeble  state,  to  be  thus  sepa- 
rated from  my  dearest  earthly  friends.  Never 
did  I  feel  more  than  I  do  now,  tlie  need  of  the 
soothing  influence  of  a  loving  wife  and  family, 
and  I  have  the  serious  thought  of  asking  you 
to  come  to  me  here ;  I  have  many  reasons  in 
my  own  mind  why  this  would  be  best,  and  it 
is  the  opinion  of  all  the  friends  here,  including 
my  physician,  that  if  you  can,  you  had  by  all 
means  better  come,  as  it  would  contribute 
essentially  to  my  comtbrt  and  recovery.  You 
ask  how  can  the  means  be  raised  ?  Sell  your 
furniture,  and  there  are  many  who  would  assist 
to  raise  the  means,  if  they  knew  you  were 

coming.     Captain  J3 ,  of  Brooklyn,  sails  a 

fine  new  packet,  which  will  leave  New  York 
the  last  of  December  or  lirst  of  January.  It 
will  take  you  until  that  time  to  get  all  things 
ready.  I  hear  you  say,  'You  have  proposed 
to  rne  a  great  undertaking.'  I  have,  indeed  ; 
but  will  it  not  be  best  in  the  end  for  you,  for 
me,  and  for  the  children  ?  Should  I  live  and 
recover,  it  is  my  desire  to  remain  and  labor 
here  awhile.  There  is  an  open  door  for  me. 
Were  you  and  the  children  here,  I  should  feel 
in  no  hurry  to  return.     Think  over  the  mat- 


FAITH     AND     \VOin;S.  251 

ter,  seek  Div'inc  direction,  and  decide  accord- 
ing to  tlie  best  light  you  can  get,  and  I  shall 
be  content.  I  have  been  four  dajs  writing 
this  letter.  Tliis  morning  I  am  better.  Love 
to  the  dear  children,  to  all.  In  patience  abide 
your  day." 

"•   CuKSTKli,   JS^OV.  ifh. 

"Yours  of  the  22na  ult.  came  to  hand  this 
morning,  having  reached  here  iu  twelve  days 
after  being  mailed.  All  your  recent  letters 
have  come  regularly.  I  am  still  very  weak ; 
had  a  very  poor  time  of  it  last  week.  My 
Avhole  system  is  in  a  very  languid,  toneless 
state.  I  still  indulge  the  hope  of  recovery. 
My  color  is  pretty  good  ;  I  do  not  bloat,  or 
feel  that  weakness  around  my  body,  that  I 
Tised  to.  Nothing  disturbs  my  peace.  I  have 
not  slied  a  tear  for  weeks,  only  over  your  let- 
ters. My  trust  is  iu  God,  He  will  never,  'no, 
nev&r  forsahe  us  I  Even  when  our  father  and 
mother  cast  us  off,  lie  will  take  us' up.  Here, 
in  this  land  of  strangers,  He  is  raising  me  up 
helpers  on  every  hand.  I  should  like  to  sit 
down  by  your  side,  and  tell  you  my  experi- 
ence since  I  left  home,  and  point  out  the  way 
in  which  the  Lord  has  guided  my  every  step. 
Be  not  discouraged.  Let  us  patiently  and 
humbly  abide  our  day.     If  ail  men  ceased  to 


252  EDWARD   WEED. 

minister  unto  ns,  He  could  make  the  ravens 
feed  us.  as  they  did  Elijah.  Tlie  earth  is  His, 
and  tlie  fullness  thereof,  the  gold  and  silver, 
and  the  cattle  upon  a  thousand  hills.  We  shall 
he  sustained.  Be  strong,  my  dear,  strong  in 
faith.  Hath  not  the  Savior  said, '  Seek  first  the 
kingdom  of  God,  and  his  righteousness,  and 
all  these  things  shall.be  added  ;'  and  will  He 
not  perform  his  own  word  ?  Let  us  trust  Him, 
adopting  the  words  of  Hab.  iii.  17,  remem- 
bering also,  that  '  man  liveth  not  by  bread 
alone,  but  by  every  word  which  proceedeth 
out  of  the  mouth  of  God.'  What  you  record 
of  the  prattle  of  our  little  boys  about  me'great- 
ly  affects  me ;  I  always  weep  over  it.  Kiss  them 
again  and  again  for  me.  In  my  last  week's 
letter  I  wrote  for  you  and  them  to  come  to  me. 
The  subject  is  before  your  mind.  Seek  direc- 
tion of  the  Lord.  Act  according  to  your  best 
judgment  in  the  light  Providence  may  cast  upon 
your  path,  and  I  shall  be  content.  If  y<m  come 
I  shall  rejoice,  if  you  do  not,  I  shall  regard  it 
in  the  sight  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  as  not 
wise,  and  therefore  shall  be  reconciled.  I 
would  not  do  anything  contrary  to  his  will. 
Read  the  Ixii.  and  Ixiii.  Psalms,  also  Watts' 
version   of  them ;  they   exactly   express   my 

present  experience.     Tell  dear  Brother  W 

he  must  be  like  the  Saviour,  and  love  me  to  the 


FAITH    AND    WORKS.  253 

end.  Tell  Brother  and  Sister  C I  remem- 
ber all  their  kindness  with  deepest  gratitude; 
sympathize  in  their  trials,  and  i)ray  for  them 
daily.  I  have  been  all  the  week  writing  this 
letter  ;  it  has  cost  me  a  great  effort.  It  leaves 
me  very  feeble,  though  not  immediatel}'  dan- 
gerous.    Deo.   Vol.     I  shall  write  T next 

week.     God  bless  you.     Adieu." 

"  Chestkr,  Nov.  13th. 

"  My  Dear  Brother  T :  Your  weleome, 

sympathizing  letter,  was  promptly  and  speed- 
ily received,  having  reached  here  in  thirteen 

days  after  it  was  mailed  at  M .     I  thank 

you  for  your  supplications,  and  for  keeping 
alive  a  remembrance  of  me  in  the  minds  of 
your  dear  little  boys.     I  am  truly  grateful  also 

to  my  dear  M friends,  for  the  continued 

interest  they  manifest  in  my  case.  I  shall  ever 
remember  with  the  liveliest  gratitude  their 
great  kindness  to  me.  I  request  a  continued 
interest  in  their  prayers,  and  still  hojje,  through 
the  rich  mercy  of  God,  and  the  abounding 
supplications  of  my  Christian  friends,  to  be 
restored  to  health,  and  to  more  than  my  former 
usefulness.  One  thing,  however,  is  very  cer- 
tain, it  will  take  a  long  time,  great  care,  and 
close  discipline,  to  restore  me  to  my  wonted 
strength  and  vigor.     The  voyage  did  me  good ; 


254  EDWARD    WEED, 

but,  unaware  of  my  own  weakness,  I  under- 
took to  do  too  luucli  in  writing,  reading,  trav 
eling,  etc. ;  the  result  was,  immediate  prostra- 
tion, and  a  severe  attack  of  acute  gastritis ; 
W'liich  brought  me  abnost  to  the  grave.  I 
have  snftered  greatl}',  but  at  present  am  in  the 
ascending  scale.  Love  to  all  the  dear  friends. 
Write  me  soon,  and  give  me  local,  rather  than 
general  news.  Tiie  latter  I  get  in  the  pa- 
pers." 

"  Cm':sTER,  Nov.  22nd. 
"  My  Dearly  Beloved  Wife  : — Your  letter 
of  the  6tli  inst.  reached  me  on  the  morning  of 
the  18th,  having  passed  from  the  Post-office  of 
!New  York  to  Liverpool  in  eleven  days.  It 
was  peculiarly  jDleasant  to  hear  from  you  so 
direct  and  speedily.  I  perceive  that  you  are 
still  troubled  with  the  shadows  of  unbelief; 
that  you  are  like  Peter,  when  walking  on  the 
water,  as  the  winds  became  boisterous,  his 
confidence  failed.  So  you,  when  you  see  some 
of  the  friends  drawing  back,  are  afraid  an  1 
discouraged.  Let  me  say,  Tny  trust  has  never 
been  in  man,  nor  in  any  particular  individual, 
or  class  of  men  ;  I  know  the  weakness  of  men^ 
their  fickleness,  and  readiness  to  grow  weary 
in  well-doing.  My  trust  li;;-.  1  een,  and  still 
is,  in  thi:  JAvlng  God,  the  possessor  of  Ihave^i, 


FAITH    AND    VVOKKS.  255 

and  He  who  lias  2^i"'^>mise(l  when  father  and 
mother  forsake  us,  to  take  us  up,  who  can 
cause  the  heavens  to  rain  down  bread,  the 
flinty  rock  to  give  forth  Nvator,  the  ravens  to 
feed  his  servants;  sustain  poor  wick^ws,  wliose 
meal  and  oil  are  just  ready  to  i'ail  ;  spread  a 
table  in  the  wilderness  in  the  23resence  of 
enemies  ;  who  has  promised  never  to  leave  us, 
or  forsake  us,  and  whose  faithfulness  reaches 
unto  the  heavens.  In  Ilim  do  I  trusty  in  Him 
is  my  hope.  And  blessed  be  his  name,  I  can 
this  morning  sweetly  look  up  into  his  face, 
and  say,  '  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  I  shall  not 
want?  May  the  Lord,  my  dear,  establish  your 
heart  in  believing,  so  that  the  dark  clouds  of 
his  providence,  as  they  cross  our  path,  may 
not  disturb  or  perturb  your  soul,  but  lead 
you  to  shelter  yourself  more  sweetly  and  se-, 
curely  under  the  shadow  of  his  wing.  Since 
I  wrote  you  last,  my  health  has  been  gradually 
improving;  and  I  hope  that  God  has  yet  a 
good  work  for  me  to  do  on  earth.  I  am  wait- 
ing with  deepest  interest  to  hear  your  decision 
in  reference  to  coming  here.  Should  j^ou  un- 
dertake to  come,  and  take  care  of  your  sick 
husband,  in  a  foreign  land,  many  will  sympa- 
thize with  you,  and  lend  yon  a  helping  hand. 
Should  you  not  come,  keep  the  place  where 
you  now  are.     Should  I  return,  I  shall  want 


256  EDWAED    WEED. 

a  home  to  go  to.  Love  to  the  dear  children, 
and  all  the  friends." 

"  Chester,  Nov.  '2^th. 
"  Tours  of  the  IGth  inst.  reached  me  last 
evening,  just  twelve  days  frum  JS^ew  York.  I 
was  ghid  to  hear  from  you  and  the  dear  chil- 
dren, that  you  were  ordinarily  welL  Will  it 
ever  be  so  with  me  again  ?  I  fear  not.  I  am 
a  poor  feeble  man,  truly  an  ol)ject  of  comiais 
eration.  It  seems  to  me  now,  if  God  will 
grant  me  the  privilege  of  returning  home  and 
dying  in  the  arms  of  my  wife,  in  tlie  presence 
of  my  children,  kindred,  and  dear  Christian 
friends,  it  is  the  highest  temporal  mercy  he 
can  bestow.  The  Africa,  one  of  the  Cunard 
steamers,  sails  from  Liverpool  December  7th, 
for  New  York.     After  consultation   with    Dr. 

N this  morning,  I  have  concluded  to  make 

the  effort  to  come  in  it.  With  a  tolerable  pros- 
perous voyage  it  will  reach  its  landing,  Jersey 
Cit}^  as  early  as  Dec.  21.  Under  the  circum- 
stances, it  will  be  a  great  undertaking  for  rae. 
What  will  be  its  results  I  cannot  say;  they  may 
be  favorable  or  unfavorable — result  in  life  or 
death.  It  is  Dr.  N 's  opinion  that  to  re- 
main would,  upon  the  whole,  be  most  safe,  but 
if  I  could  get  home  without  much  injury,  it 
will  be  the  best  course  for  me  to  pursue,  espe- 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  257 

cially  considering  the  superior  social  comfort 
•which  I  should  enjoy  in  the  hosorn  of  my 
fiiniily.  Do  not  be  sanguine  that  you  will  see 
me  at  the  time  designated.  I  may  not  be  able 
to  go  then.  I  may  die  on  the  voyage.  Have 
yourself  prepared  for  the  woi-st,  by  which  I 
mean  the  most  afflictive.  TlieLord  has  raised 
me  up  here  dear  friends  who  are  ministering 
angels  to  me — they  do  not  tire  in  their  offices 
of  kindness  ;  I  should  like  to  sit  down  by  your 
side  and  tell  you  all  God's  gracious  dealings 
with  me  since  I  left  home.  Truly,  his  mercy 
reacheth  unto  the  heavens.  May  the  Lord 
permit  me  to  see  you  and  my  dear  children 
once  more.  This  will  go  out  in  to-morrow's 
steamer;  in  the  next  I  hope  to  go  myself.  I 
desire  you  and  all  the  friends  to  pray  for  me." 

He  kept  a  brief  journal  as  he  had  strength, 
in  which  he  penned  the  last  he  ever  wrote,  just 
before  he  left  Chester.  A  few  of  the  last  dates 
will  be  interesting  to  his  friends. 

^^  Sept.  7th. — A  severe  day.  Rev.  R.  Knill 
called  to  see  me. 

"  St/). — Hard  day.  Despaired  of  life.  Deacon 
Marsh  called  and  prayed  with  me. 

"  10th. — Better.  God  has  heard  prayer. 
Many  prayers  have  been  oflfered  by  the  godly 


258  EDWARD   W^EED. 

in  Chester  for  me.  Tlie  Lord  lias  awakened  a 
lively  interest  in  them  for  me. 

"lo^A. — Much  better.  Blessed  in  heart  and 
l)ody. 

"23rc?. — Went  to  ITallowell  and  married  a 
couple.    Felt  poorly  all  day.  Marriage  fee  £10. 

"  2!)^//. — This  week  very  sick  ;  coniined  to  my 
room.  But  He  who  giveth  songs  in  the  night 
was  with  me. 

"  Oct.  \Ztli. — This  week  my  health  continued 
to  improve.  "Wrote  to  Rev.  II.  W.  Beecher. 
Received  two  letters  from  wife;  one  from 
Brother  Finney  ;  two  visits  from  Brother  Knill, 
one  from  Deacon  Marsh,  and  a  kind  note  from 
Daniel  James,  Esq.,  Liverpool. 

"  22nfZ. — Had  a  very  poor  day  ;  confined  to 
house  and  lounge.  The  Dr.,  and  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  T called  on  me. 

"  26^/i. — Had  a  poor  day.  Mind  in  a  placid 
state. 

"  2825A. — Had    a   comfortable    night.     Rose 

some  better.     Mrs.  T •,  Miss  K ,   and 

Rev.  Mr.  Jones  called. 

"30M. — Arose  feeble  ;  kept  very  quiet.  Mrs. 

H called  and  read  to  me ;  Mr.  and  Mrs. 

T in  the  evening. 

'■'-Nov.  \8t — Better  to-day.   Dr.  N called 

and    changed    my    medicine.     Mrs.    H 

called. 


FAITH   AND   AVORKS.  259 

^^2nd. — Had  a  good  night's  rest,  and  was  re. 

freshed.     Called  at  Mrs.  T 's.     Was  very 

feeble  all  day. 

^'■21st — Had  a  comfortable  day.  Mrs.  K 

and  daughter.     Mrs.  H and  the  Dr.  called. 

22nd. — Another  good  day.     Mrs.    II- 


called.  Had  a  sweet  time  in  studying  God's 
word  together.  Mrs.  T called  in  the  even- 
ing.    Letter  from  Mr.  James. 

"  2Srd. — Arose  refreshed  ;    walked  over  to 

Mrs.  H 's.     Conversation   wholly  practical 

and  religious. 

"  28i^A.— Quite  poorly.     Mr.  Iv and  Mrs. 

H called.     Received  letter  from  wife. 

"  Dec.  4^A.— Some  better.  Eev.  J.  D.  Ed- 
wards, Kov.  R.  Knill,  D.  James,  Mr.  aud  Mrs. 
T called. 

"  5th. — Still  improving.  Received  letter  from 
Brother  F and  £5." 

At  this  date  his  pen  was  laid  aside,  never  to 
be  resumed  again. 

It  was  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Weed's  friends  and 
medical  advisers  in  this  country,  that  it  would 
be  far  better  for  him  to  come  home  than  for 
his  family  to  attempt  to  go  to  England,  believ- 
ing as  they  did,  that  it  would  probably  be  not 
to  see  his  face  in  the  flesh,  but  to  weep  over  his 
grave  in  a  foreign  land. 


200  EDWARD   WEED. 

After  liis  return,  when  asked  by  his  wife  hi? 
opinion  of  this  arrangement,  he  said,  "  Oh,  it 
was  infinitely  better  that  I  should  come  home  : 
how  glad  I  was  when  tossing  upon  the  waves, 
that  it  wasn't  you  and  the  children." 


CnAPTER  XIX. 

KETUKN     TO     AMERICA LAST     ILLNESS DEATH 

EXTRACTS    FKOM    LETfERS   OF   FRIENDS. 

The  Yth  of  December,  1850,  Mr.  Weed  sailed 
from  Liverpool,  in  the  "  Africa."  Daniel 
James,  Esq.,  of  Liverpool,  to  whom  he  owed  a 
thousand  obligations,  and  other  friends  in  Clies- 
ter,  who  were  unwearied  in  their  attentions  to 
him  to  the  last,  had  many  fears  that  he  might 
not  survive  the  voyage  ;  though  it  was  subse- 
quently manifest  to  all  that  this  too  was  lov- 
ingly directed  by  Him  who  suffers  not  a  spar- 
row to  fall  to  the  ground  without  his  notice. 

Every  thing  was  done  that  loving  hearts 
could  devise,  and  active  hands  accomplish  to 
make  his  voyage  comfortable.  His  outfit  and 
passage-money  were  provided  by  various  be- 
nevolent individuals  in  Chester  and  Liverpool, 
many  giving  freely  who  never  saw  him. 
Though  he  had  no  sweet  assurance  when  he 


262  EDWARD   WEED. 

Bet  out  that  he  should  live  to  see  his  native 
land,  his  liome,  and  loved  ones,  yet  his  mind 
was  kept  in  perfect  peace  and  quiet,  To  use  his 
own  iigure,  he  rested  as  sweetly  and  confidingly 
on  his  Saviour's  bosom  as  ever  a  little  infant 
did  in  the  arms  of  its  mother,  leaving  all  the 
future,  in  sweet  submission,  to  his  Heavenly 
Father.  For  two  days  after  he  went  on  ship- 
board he  was  so  exiiausted  that  he  was  not 
able  to  open  his  Bible.  When  he  did  take  it 
up  to  peruse  its  sacred  pages,  he  opened  it  as 
it  were  casually  to  the  cxxi.  Psalm.  He  read 
and  re-read  it.  It  seemed  to  be  the  word  and 
promise  of  God  meeting  his  particular  case, 
and  he  said  he  had  a  full,  sweet  assurance, 
from  that  hour,  that  he  should  outlive  the 
perils  of  his  voyage  and  reach  his  own  beloved 
home.  He  was  never  but  once  again  able  to 
read  during  his  whole  vovage.  And  he  was 
at  that  time  directed  to  a  psalm  almost  equally 
appropriate  to  his  own  case  as  this,  and  which 
he  was  enabled  to  receive  as  God's  word,  most 
graciously  addressed  to  him.  He  remarked 
that  "  the  presence  of  God  alone  sustained  him 
— that  his  arms  of  love  seemed  to  encircle  him 
— his  wing  covered  him,  while  he  nestled  in  its 
feathers."  On  tiie  22d  ol' December,  two  weeks 
and  one  day  after  he  left  L ,  he  was  re- 
ceived,   with  sorowing   and    rejoicing,  by   his 


FAITH   AND    WOKKS.  203 

anxicRisly  waiting  home  circle.  Pale,  emaci- 
ated, weak  as  an  infant,  he  was  carried  into  his 
apartments,  which  he  never  left  until  he  took 
his  final  leave  of  them,  four  weeks  and  one  day 
from  tiie  time  of  his  arrival  home. 

In  a  few  daj-s  after  his  return  he  appeared 
much  better,  the  bloat  in  his  feet  disappeared, 
his  apjjetite  became  good,  he  sat  up  most  of 
the  day,  walked  from  one  room  to  another,  and 
was  hopeful  that  possibly  he  might  come  up 
as  he  had  done  before,  when  brought  aj)])a- 
rently  to  the  very  verge  of  the  grave.  The 
same  earnest  desire  that  he  had  felt  all  through 
his  illness,  to  live  to  preach  Christ,  and  him  cru- 
cified, to  his  dying  fellow-men,  was  strong  until 
he  gave  up  all  hope.  He  enjoyed  the  society 
of  his  friends  much,  and  though  too  feeble  to 
read  at  all  himself,  he  listened  with  great  in- 
terest to  the  various  kinds  of  reading  in  which 
he  had  engaged  in  days  of  health  ;  the  Bible, 
as  it  had  ever  been  to  him,  above  every  thing 
else.  He  was  never  able  after  his  return  to 
lead  in  family  devotion  but  once,  and  his 
prayer  was  then  like  one  who  had  already 
done  with  earth  and  earthly  things.  He  con- 
tinued along  much  the  same  for  more  than 
two  weeks  after  the  new  year  commenced,  im- 
perceptibly growing  weaker,  until  he  was  sud- 
denly  taken  worse,  and    survived  only  three 


264:  EDWARD   WEED. 

days.  Extracts  from  a  letter  written  to  his 
brother,  soon  after  his  death,  give  a  concise 
and  particuhir  account  of  his  last  week. 

"  Dear  Brother  T : — Your  tnily  sym- 
pathizing letter  was  duly  received,  and  you 
will  think  I  have  been  long  in  answering  it. 
Though  fully  aware  of  the  painful  task,  I  have 
for  a  week  been  trying  to  get  time  to  write  to 
you  the  particulars  of  the  week  that  inter- 
vened between  your  leaving  here  and  dear 
Edward's  final  departure.     You  will  recollect, 

just  before  you  left  Brother  C came  in  ; 

he  stayed  until  after  dark,  read  one  of  Camp- 
bell's sermons  to  him,  and  had  some  pleasant 
conversation.  That  night  he  had  as  comfort- 
able a  time  as  usual.  I  was  up  with  him  two 
or  three  times.  Tuesday  morning  be  was 
bathed  and  dressed  as  usual,  had  eaten  his 
br'eakfast,  and  I  had  just  sat  down  with  him  and 
the  children,  at  his  own  affectionate  request,  to 
have  our  season  of  family  worship,  when  Rev. 

11.  Belden  and  Mrs.  C called.     I  read  a 

chapter  in  the  Acts ;  he  then  requested  us  to 
sing  that  psalm,  that  has  one  verse,  commenc- 
ing— 

"'How  happy  all  thy  servants  are, 
How  great  thy  grace  to  me  ;' 


FAITH    AWl)    WOKKS.  265 

which  was  quite  a  fav(n-itc  of  his,  and  Brotlicr 

Ji prayed.     After  which  Mrs.  C left, 

and   Mr.  B and   husband  continued  con- 

versinof  an  hour  or  more  vvitli  as  much  zest  as 
he  used  to  manifest  in  his  days  of  health.  To- 
ward evening  Rev.  C.  Parker  came  in,  and  at 
his  request  read  to  him  the  next  to  the  last 
chapter  of  Malachi,  in  which  it  speaks  of  the 
sons  of  Levi  being  purified.  Husband  made 
Some  remarks  upon  that  portion  of  it,  and  they 
engaged  in  a  conversation  of  some  interest, 
which,  tliough  all  perfectly  pleasant,  seemed  to 

exhaust  dear  E very  much  and  he  asked  us 

to  help  him  on  the  bed.     When  Brother  P 

got  up  to  go  away,  he  said  to  him,  'Charles,  I 
love  to  have  you  come  and  see  me,  and  talk  and 
read  to  me,  but  you  must  not  get  me  into  a  dis- 
cussion^ lam  too  weak.'  He  rested  much  as  usual 
Tuesday  night,  though  I  should  think  there 
was  an  increase  of  bowel  irritation.  WedHes- 
day  he  was  as  strong  and  comfortable,  and 
more  so  than  for  several  days  before  you  left. 
I  had  hurried  the  heavy  work  through,  so  as 
to  get  as  much  time  as  possible  to  spend  with 
him  ;  and  oh  !  my  brother,  you  do  not  know 
how  I  coveted  having  him  alone  to  myself. 
Though  for  the  most  part,  when  I  was  not 
waiting  upon  him,  it  was  to  sit  still  by  his  side, 
in  consequence  of  his  being  so  much  exhausted. 


206  EmVAKD    WEED. 

by  company.  But  even  those  were  seasons  of 
luxurious  enjoyment,  in  comparison  with  those 
long,   anxious   montlis    lie    was    in    England. 

Miss  C ,  Mrs.  B ,  and  Mrs.  II ,  and 

lier  sister  made  eacli  a  sliort  call.  AVhen  we 
were  arranged  for  family  worship,  he  requested 
me  to  sing  the  psalm  commencing, 

"  '  Sweet  is  the  work,  my  God,  my  King  ;' 

and  he  sung  a  part  of  it  with  me.  I  got  con- 
siderable time  to  read  to  him,  which  he  seemed 
to  enjuy  very  mueii. 

"  I  observed  that  his  relish  for  animal  food 
was  ceasing,  and  indeed  his  appetite  became 
less  altogether. 

"  Tliursday  morning  Mrs.  P.  Fields  called  ; 
but  dear  husband  would  not  permit  me  to  in- 
vite her  in  to  see  him  until  he  liad  on  his  dress- 
ing-gown, and  was  seated  in  his  easy-chair,  re- 
mafking  as  she  came  in,  as  an  apology  for  keep- 
ing her  waiting  so  long,  he  wanted  to  look  as 
well  as  he  could,  so  as  not  to  repulse  his 
friends,  for  a  sick  man  was  at  best  but  a  dis- 
gusting object.  She  stayed  an  hour  or  two, 
and  he  told  her  in  the  time  he  expected  to  go 
to  P once  more,  but  he  expected  to  be  car- 
ried there ;  but  added,  he  might  possibly  re- 
cover, though  lie  did  not  think  there  was  more 
tlian  one  chance  in   a  hundred  in  his  favor^ 


rAITU    AND    WORKS.  267 

lie  did  not  relish  liis  food  as  he  had  done,  hut 
otherwise  appeared  as  well  as  usual.  Ahout 
noon  Sarah  got  sick,  and  went  home,  leaving 
nie  with  every  thing  to  do,  and  feeling  as 
though  I  could  not  bear  to  leave  him  a  mo- 
ment.    In    this    dilemma   Mrs.   C ,  v/hom 

you  knew  at  P ,  and  Mrs.  B came  in. 

Mrs.  C stayed  the  remainder  of  the  day, 

and   waited   upon  him.     About  dark  Bi'other 

II called,  and  stayed  all   night  and  took 

care  of  him,  and  with  the  exception  of  a  slight 
turn  of  vomiting,  he  had  an  unusually  com- 
fortable nigiit. 

"Early  Friday  morning  Brother  Williams 
called,  before  husband  had  arisen,  and  they 
had  a  conversation  of  an  hour  or  more  upon 
different  subjects  of  interest.  I  think  he  took 
his  pouring-bath  that  morning,  and  after  he 
was  dressed  and  seated  in  his  rocker,  he  said, 
'his  heart  was  in  a  glow,  he  was  so  Com- 
fortable; he  thought  he  was  gaining  strength 
some,'  and  wished  me  to  call  the  children  in, 
and  have  our  season  of  family  worship.  But 
calls   interrupted,    of  one    kind   and    another, 

until  five  P.  M.     Mrs.  B came  and  read 

part    of    a   sermon    to    him.     Mi-,    ar.d    Mrs. 

C ,    from    P ,    came    and    spent   some 

time,    and     before    they    left    Brother   H 

returned,  and  remained  until  after  five.     Oh  I 


263  EDWAUD   WEED. 

how  mncl)  I  felt  he  was  using  up  his  precious 
strength,  every  iota  of  which  I  valiu^d  more 
than  mountains  of  the  finest  gold.  About  five 
P.  M.  he  began  to  cougli,  with  tliat  weak,  suf- 
focatinjj  cou<:h  that  vou  have  ubserved  in  cases 
of  consumption.     It  continued  so  long,  I  felt  a 

little  alai-med  even  before  Brother  II left. 

It  inci'eased  afterward  and  with  a  distressing 
sense  of  sulfocation.  lie  became  purple  around 
his  mouth,  his  hands  became  cold,  and  his 
pulse  exceedingly  small.  At  his  request  I  put 
a  wet  cloth  around  his  throat,  and  soon  after 
gave  him  a  small  pill  of  opium,  which  allayed 
the  irritation  a  little,  and  he  said,  'I  shall  get 
a  little  quiet  soon  ;  and  then  I  wish  you  to  call 
the  children  in,  and  sing  and  pray.'  But  the 
cough  and  suffocation  returned,  and  I  sent  for 

Dr.  B .     Before  he  got  here  dear  husband 

was  a  little  easier,  thf)Ugh  tiie  cough  was  by 
no  means  fully  allayed.  He  said,  'perhaps, 
after  all,  the  doctors  have  been  mistaken,  and 
iny  lungs  have  been  diseased  all  along.'  But 
Dr.  B said,  the  cough  was  only  sympa- 
thetic. He  left  medicine  which  quieted  it. 
After  he  ceased  coughing  he  fell  into  a  doze, 
and  talked  incessantly  for  an  hour  or  two,  just 
as  the  thoughts  passed  in  his  mind  ;  after  he 
ceased  talking,  for  an  hour  or  two  more,  he 
moaned  every  breath,  but  gradually  fell  into  a 


FATTII    AND    WORKS.  2C9 

quiet  sIuhiIkt,  wliicli  n'frcslied  liiin  mucli,  and 
ill  the  iiioniiiio;  he  iippcared  comparatively 
comt'ortable,  but  weak  as  an  infant.  I  watched 
alone  by  his  side  during  the  night,  but  he  said 
lie  had  no  recollection  of  anything  after  the 
doctor  was  there  in  the  evening,  and  added, 
'you  must  not  let  any  one  in  to  see  me  to-day,' 
(Saturday,)  which  I  was  very  glad  to  hear,  and 
implicitly  followed.  The  doctor  called  to  see 
him,  and  the  barber  came,  and  he  was  bol- 
stered up  in  bed  and  shaved.  What  he  ate,  I 
fed  him,  as  I  would  a  little  infant.  He  suf- 
fered paroxysms  of  severe  pain  ;  in  the  inter- 
vals he  appeared  more  comfortable,  but  too 
"weak  to  converse.  I  hardly  left  his  bedside  at 
all  through  the  day.  They  were  precious,  7>?'<g- 
cious  hours,  though  I  looked  forward  to  what 
was  in  all  probability  but  just  before  me,  as 
one  would  in  the  agonizing  expectation  of 
losing  a  part  of  themselves  ;  and  oh  !  how  un- 
reconciled I  felt  at  the  probability  that  he 
would  never  have  strength  to  have  a  conversa- 
tion that  we  had  repeatedly  attempted,  viz., 
his  particular  advice  respecting  myself  and  the 
children  in  case  he.  should  be  taken  from  us. 
All  he  had  strength  to  say  respecting  our 
lonely,  destitute,  desolate  circumstances,  was, 
'  the  Lord  will  raise  up  friends  for  you.'  A 
letter  was  received  from  our  dear  absent  Ben- 


270  EnWARD   WEED. 

jainin,  and  lie  express'od  great  satisfaction  at  ita 
contents.     In  the   course  of  the   day  I   sent 

word   to   Brother  W that  we  should  be 

glad  of  his  assistance  througli  the  night,  ayid 

lie  and   Dr.   L came  and    watched   with 

liiin.  I  tried  to  sleep,  but  his  agonizing  groans 
continued  all  night,  and  he  was  constantly 
seeking  rest  by  being  turned  from  side  to  side. 

About  four  in  the   morning  Dr.   L left. 

We  changed  hia  position,  and  he  slept  an  hour 
or  two.  Sabbath  he  was  comparatively  easy, 
but  lay  mostly  with  his  eyes  closed,  and  speak- 
ing only  when  he  wished  for  something.     Miss 

C came  and  spent  most  of  the  day.     Quite 

a  number  of  friends  came  in  to  see  him.  He 
sometimes  opened  his  eyes  when  they  came 
into  the  room,  and  closed  them  without  speak- 
ing. Often  during  the  day  would  he  open  his 
eyes,  glance  them  around  the  room  on  those 
sitting  there,  and  wlien  they  rested  on  me 
would  close  them  again,  with  that  look  of  satis- 
faction I  have  often  seen  an  infant  give  its 
mother  when  composing  itself  to  sleep,  con- 
scious of  her  watchful  presence.  He  had 
taken  no  nourishment  since  Friday  except  a 
little  arrowroot  or  some  very  light  thing,  and 
there  was  a  dreadful  sinking  at  the  stomach. 
He  had  been  very  thirsty,  and  drank  a  good 
deal  of  ice  water,  and  once  or  twice  took  a 


FAITH   AND   WORKS.  271 

teaspoonfiil  of  wine.  Dr.  B came  at  even- 
ing and  suo-gested  his  trying  a  little  coffee, 
and  advised  giving  small  quantities  of  opium, 
if  severe  parox^'sms  of  pain  should  occur  again. 
I  made  a  cup  of  coffee  and  some  soft  toast,  he 
relished  both  very  much,  and  was  revived  and 
relieved.  Ills  warm  friend,  Mr.  Taylor,  of 
Paterson,  hearing  he  was  worse,  came  over  to 
see  him.  When  about  to  leave,  husband 
thanked  him  for  his  interest  in  him,  and  for 
all  his  acts  of  kindness  to  him  and  his  family. 
When  the  little  boys  were  ready  to  go  to  rest, 
they  came  as  usual  to  their  fatiier,  to  exchange 
the  good-night  kiss  for  the  last  time.  When 
they  were  dressed  in  the  morning,  he  was  in- 
sensible.    Rev.  J.  L and  Brother  B 

came   to  spend  the  night  with  him.     In   the 

evening  Brother  W and  his  wife  called  to 

see   him.     In   answer   to   something   Brother 

W said,  he  looked  up,  while  the  glories 

of  heaven  seemed  to  irradiate  his  countenance, 
as  he  said — 

" '  I  can  I'ead  my  title  clear 

To  mansions  in  tlie  skies, 
And  not  a  wave  of  trouble  rolls 
Across  my  peaceful  breast.' 

*'  For  four  or  five  months  past  I  have  not  felt 
like  i-  iiying  for  but  one  specific  temporal  bless- 


272  EDWARD   WEED. 

ing — that  I  might  cijinc  home  to  die  in  the 
bosom  of  my  family.  God  most  graciously 
heard  me  in  this,  and  now  I  can  say, '  The  will 
of  the  Lord  be  done.  His  and  his  only^ 
Whether  I  live  or  die  I  am  his.  I  expect  to 
die  very  soon ;  but  I  shall  be  clothed  upon  '  by 
that  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens.' 

"  He  never  expressed  himself  more  beautifully 
and  clearly  in  word,  voice,  and  manner ;  and 
he  said  but  little  afterward — nothing  but  to  tell 
what  he  wanted,  and  to  urge  me  to  take  some 
rest.  His  mind  seemed  inclined  to  wander, 
and  about  six  o'clock,  Monday  morning,  he  be- 
came apparently  insensible.  Just  before  he 
fell  into  this  state,  he  exclaimed,  as  though  he 
thought  he  was  engaged  once  more  in  his 
favorite  employment,  '  A.nd  the  poor  have  the 
gospel  preached  to  them.'  I  succeeded  in 
arousing  him,  so  that  he  spoke  several  times 
during  the  morning;  once  asked  for  drink, 
once  to  have  his  position  adjusted,  and  once, 
when  I  was  trying  very  earnestly  to  arouse 
him,  he  affectionately  exclaimed,  '  My  dear 
wife,'  and  tried  to  say  more,  but  his  utterance 
failed  him.  He  continued  to  drink  until  past 
noon,  and  after  he  ceased  swallowing,  would 
move  his  lips,  as  thougli  he  was  conscious  when 
I  moistened  them.     But  for  two  hours  he  con- 


FArrii  ANi>  -svouKs.  273 

tinned  to  breathe  after  all  other  motion  had 
ceased.  About  six  p.  m.  there  was  a  change  in 
his  breathing,  and  he  was  gone,  without  a  inove- 
ineiil  of  a  muscle,  or  a  contortion  of  the  placid 
features,  at  ten  minutes  past  six,  p.m.,  January 
20th,  1851,  just  one  week  and  three  hours  after 
you  parted  with  him. 

"  He  was  buried  at  Paterson,  Thursday,  the 
23rd.  Kev.  S.  D.  Cochran  and  Rev.  W.  H. 
Hornblower  both  addressed  the  audience.   Bro. 

H and  sister  C ,  and  L ,  with  my 

own  little  family,  were  all  the  relatives  that 
were  present.  Some  ten  or  twelve  other  friends 
from  New  York  went  with  us;  and  I  was  told 
the  church  was  crowded  with  Paterson  friends, 
with  weeping  almost  like  the  weeping  for  Jo- 
seph. Your  sympatiiizing  letter  did  me  much 
good.  The  writing  of  this  has  cost  me  many, 
many  tears. 

"  Your  deeply  afflicted  Sister, 

"  Z.  P.  Weed." 

Friday  before  his  death,  he  dwelt  much  upon 
the  goodness  of  God  to  him,  and  remarked  that 
his  afflictions  had  stirred  up  his  mind,  to  see 
and  adore  God^s  particular  -prqvidences  to  his 
children.  Not  a  murmur  escaped  his  lips  after 
he  was  taken  worse,  and  through  all  his  in- 
tense sufferings.  How  sweetly  were  the  promises 


274:  EDWARD   WEED. 

recorded  in  Psalm  xli.  1  S:  3,  ful tilled  ia 
Lis  case — ''  Blessed  is  he  that,  coiisidejetli  the 
poor:  the  Lord  will  deliver  him  in  time  of 
trouble.  The  Lord  will  strengthen  him  on  the 
bed  of  langnishing  :  thou  wilt  make  all  his  bed 
in  his  sickness." 

Letters  expressing  the  interest  and  sympathy 
he  awakened  in  the  friends  he  made  in  Eng- 
land, have  been  received  from  various  sources. 
One  person,  in  whose  family  he  spent  some 
time,  writes  : — 

"  When  he  first  oflSciated  at  family  worship, 
bis  expressive  terms  and  fervency  cemented  my 
affection  and  heart  to  him.  I  often  esteemed 
bim  afterwards  as  the  prophet  Elias,  visiting 
the  widow  of  Sarepta,  and  I  do  not  less  than 
believe  that  the  Lord  smiled  on  my  house,  in 
answer  to  his  sincere  prayers." 

Another  says,  "  We  have  reason  to  bless  God 
that  he  ever  came  under  our  roof.  We  con- 
sidered him  indeed  a  blessing;  he  tool:  such  an 
interest  in  all  the  family,  and  gave  us  such 
good  counsel.  I  shall  never  forget  what  strong 
faith  he  had  in  God.  He  was  a  pattera  to  us 
all  in  this.  He  often  said,  '  Whether  I  live  or 
die,  I  know  I  aui  the  Lord's.' " 

Another,  in  addressing  a  letter  to  Mr.  Weed 
himself,  but  which  did  not  reach  here  until 
after  his  decease,  writes  : — 


FAI'III     AJVn    WORKS.  275 

"  My  dkar  Siu: — We  have  been  waitin^^  very 
anxiously  to  liear  of  your  hoped-for  safe  arrival 
at  New  York,  and  yesterday  Mr.  Knill  heard 
from  Mr.  James,  that  your  uame  had  appeared, 
amongst  the  passengers  arrived  there.  Every 
thing  with  regard  to  your  leaving  was  arranged 
so  wonderfully  for  yon,  hy  a  kind  and  gracious 
Providence,  that  we  aliy<?/;^  yon  would  get  safely 
home.  We  do  sincerely  congratulate  your  dear 
wife  upon  your  restoration  to  her.  If  it  be  God's 
will,  we  should  rejoice  to  hear  of  your  restora- 
tion to  health,  and  to  renewed  active  service. 
The  Lord  needs  faithful  laborers  in  his  vine- 
yard, those  who  are  wise  in  winning  souls. 
Whether  he  has  more  work  for  you  to  do  or  not," 
will  soon  ap]>ear. 

'  His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 
Unfolding  every  hour.'  • 

God  had  work  for  you  to  do  in  Chester,  that 
is  certain,  and  he  helped  you  to  do  it.  I  often 
feel  as  thougli  you  were  brought  over  frojn 
America,  to  teach  me  the  way  of  God  more 
perfectly ;  and,  when  you  had  done  so,  were 
sent  back  again  ;  it  seemed  altogether  so  strange. 
You  will  be  glad  to  hear  J'esus  Ciirist  is  keep- 
ing me  close  to  his  bleeding  side." 

His  kind  friend  in  Liverpool,  after  he  heard 
of  his  death,  wrote  as  follows  : — 


276  EDWARD    WIOKI). 

"Dear  Mrs.  W :  I   duly   received  your 

kind  note,  infonhing  nie  of  tlie  safe  arrival  of 
your  dear  husband  in  New  York,  but  was  sorry 
to  bear  hy  the  last  steamer  that  he  was  no  more. 
It  was  a  great  mercy  that  he  was  spared  to 
reach  honie,  and  die  in  the  bosom  of  his  family, 
and  not  anions  strangers  in  a  foreiorn  land. 
"When  I  last  saw  him  in  Chester,  I  did  not 
think  he  would  ever  see  New  York ;  but  after 
he  was  on  ship-board  he  appeared  more  com- 
fortable, and  I  fully  expected  he  would  live  to 
Bee  his  dear  family  before  his  removal  from 
this  vale  of  tears.  lie  now  rests  frum  his 
labors.  And  may  we  all  be  as  well  prepared 
for  our  change,  as  he  was.  I  now  feel  truly 
thankful  that  I  made  the  effort  to  send  him 
home  to  you.  Many  to  whom  I  named  his 
case  gave  me  cheerfully  towards  his  passage. 
I  raised  (with  what  I  gave)  among  my  friends 
£30.     When    be    was    leaving    he    gave    me 

£5,  which  Mr.  F sent  him  from  London. 

Under  the  circumstances,  the  agent  of  the 
Bteamei*s  was  willing  to  take  £25.  So  that, 
after  paying  his  passage,  I  have  £10  to  send 
you,  which  no  doubt  you  will  find  useful. 
May  the  God  of  the  widow — the  God  whom 
your  dear  husband  served,  be  your  support  in 
the  hour  of  trial,  is  the  prayer  of  your  sympa- 
thizing friend,  "  Daniel  James." 


FAITH    AISD    WOKKS.  277 

The  tbllo\viii<^  letter  was  written  in  answer 
to  a  request  made  by  Mrs.  W for  some  par- 
ticulars respecting  Mr,  Weed  while  he  was  in 

Chester. 

"  QuEKisf's  Park,  Chestkr, 
February  24t/i,  1853. 

"  My  Dear  Madam  : — In  the  month  of  July 
last  I  wrote  you  a-  letter  containing  sixteen 
pages  of  note  paper,  which  is  sure  to  be  the 
missing  packet.  I  am  sorry  it  is  lost,  as  it 
will  be  a  serious  matter  to  write  such  another ; 
liowever,  I  shall  feel  happy  to  give  you  some 
few  particulars  of  your  excellent  and  niueh- 
lamented  husband  during  his  residence  here. 

"  I  accidentally  heard  that  a  minister  from 
America  was  staying  in  (/hester  for  a  while  oii 
account  of  his  health,  that  he  was  a  stranger 
here,  and  I  immediately  determined  to  go  and 
660  him  ;  and  indeed  I  feel  the  greatest  cause 
for  thankfulness  that  I  ever  had  the  privilege 
of  his  acquaintance ;  and  although  I  only 
knew  him  the  last  two  mouths  of  his  sojourn 
here,  yet  that  short  period  sufficed  to  give  me 
a  great  insight  into  his  Christian  character. 
At  the  time  I  first  knew  him  I  had  been  a 
long  while  in  a  state  of  bondage  very  distress- 
ing. I  had  a  large  amount  of  scriptural 
knowledge,  but  the  light  of  Life  had  not  irra- 


278  KDWAJiD    WKJOD. 

diated  my  soul.  lie  soon  discovered  iny  state- 
of  mind,  and  the  very  first  conversation  we 
had  together  on  that  subject  was  blessed  by 
God  to  the  dispelling  of  doubts  and  fears,  and 
to  a  simple,  happy  reliance  upon  Jesus,  the 
atoning  sacrifice.  After  then  he  never  lost  an 
opportunity  of  turning  the  time  we  spent  to- 
gether to  ray  spiritual  good.  I  usually  spent 
an  hour  with  him  eveiy  afternoon  ;  and  when 
I  went  in,  after  the  usual  inquiries  after  his 
liealth,  etc.,  he  would  say,  'I  have  been  won- 
derinij:  whether  vou  understand  such  a  point 
clearly,'  and  then  he  would  turn  to  different 
passages  in  the  Scriptures,  which  w(juld  illus- 
trate the  point.  He  had  such  a  clear,  lucid 
way  of  exphiining  things,  every  mist  seemed 
to  vanish.  He  would  frequently  say,  '  I  can- 
not preach  now,  but  I  want  to  give  you  clear 
views,  that  you  may  preach  in  my  stead  ;  and 
to  do  so,  it  is  not  requisite  that  you  should  get 
up  into  the  pulpit.'  I  can  sa}'  with  truth  that 
what  I  learned  from  him  has  been  most  valu- 
able in  my  constant  intercourse  with  the  young 
people  of  my  classes. 

"  But  though  his  lucid  teachings,  and  clear 
and  experimental  acquaintance  with  divine 
things  were  most  valuable,  the  example  of  his 
holy,  filial  confidence  in  God,  was  far  more  so. 


FAITIt   AND    WCiUKS.  279 

I  have  read  in  books,  of  faith  like  his,  but  I 
never  witnessed  so  much  in  daily  life. 

"  His  reliance  on  God  was  simple  and  child- 
like, but  strong,  vigorous,  realizing,  unshaken. 
No  wasting  sickness,  no  racking  pain,  debility 
however  distressing,  circumstiinces  however 
precarious,  blighted  hopes,  and  failing  re- 
sources in  a  foreign  land,  away  from  wife,  and 
children  and  friends,  nothing  could  cause  his 
faith  to  falter,  or  dim  the  eye  that  saw — 

"  '  Behind  a  frowning  Providence  a  smiling  face.' 

"  With  every  thing  tending  to  make  him 
think  only  of  self,  he  was  ever  mindful  ofj 
others,  seizing  any  opportunity  that  might 
occur  to  press  home  eternal  matters  upon  tha 
minds  of  any  who  called,  and  to  encourage  the 
timid  and  faint-hearted. 

"  1  was  very  much  struck  with  Mr.  TVeed's 
confidence  in  God  with  regard  to  his  pecu- 
niary matters.  While  visiting  him  he  never 
led  me  to  suspect  his  impoverished  circum- 
stances at  all  ;  I  only  fancied  he  needed  at- 
tentions in  the  way  of  nice,  pleasant  food, 
such  as  invalids  always  require.  He  once 
gave  me  a  sovereign  to  purchase  some  warm 
articles  with,  when,  having  boiTght  them  to  his 
satisfaction,  I  returned  him   the  money ;  but 


280  EDWAED   WEED. 

lie  would  not  receive  it  again  until  I  assured 
liiiu  we  were  perfectly  able  to  afford  what  I 
had  laid  out  for  liiiu.  I  found  out  afterwards 
that  this  was  his  last  sovereign,  and  he  did  not 
know  where  the  next  was  to  come  from ;  but 
as  he  afterwards  said,  '  ]\[y  Father  has  the  cat- 
tle upon  a  thousand  hills,  and  all  the  fullness 
of  the  earth  is  his,  and  will  He  let  his  poor, 
suffering  child  want?     ^ever!' 

"  His  faith  was  great,  and  God  honored  it. 
The  circumstances  of  the  last  morning  are  ste- 
reotyped in  my  memory.  His  health  was  in  a 
dreadful  state,  he  could  not  walk  across  the 
room  without  holding  by  something.  But  a 
letter  came  from  you  wishing  him,  if  possible, 
to  return  home,  as  friends  in  America  thought 
it  more  desirable  than  that  you  should  come 
to  him;  but  he  was  in  the  state  above  de- 
scribed and  without  resources.  However,  Mr. 
James,  (jour  kind  friend,)  Dr.  Norton,  and 
Mr.  Knill  consulted  together.  Dr.  Norton 
said  if  he  could  go  by  the  steamer  which 
sailed  the  following  Friday,  (two  days  after,) 
he  might  live  to  reach  home;  if  delayed  any 
longer  he  would  not  be  able  to  leave  even  his 
room.  Mr.  James  said  he  would  endeavor  to 
get  the  funds  for  his  cabin  fare  among  a  few 
friends  in  Liverpool.  Mr.  Knill  said  he  would 
try  to  raise  a  sufficient  sum  to  cover  his  expen- 


FAITH    AND    WORKS.  281 

see  here  and  pay  any  little  debts  he  might 
Lave.  But  two  days  was  a  short  time  to  do  all 
this  in.  However,  Mr.  James  promised  to 
write  the  next  day  (Thursday)  to  say  whether 
he  had  been  able  to  secure  a  cabin  and  to 
raise  the  I'equisite  means.  What  a  sickly,  ex- 
citing time  for  a  poor  invalid  !  What  conflict- 
ing hopes  and  fears  one  would  have  thought 
would  have  agitated  him!  But  no;  he  was 
calm  as  an  infant  upon  its  mother's  l)reast. 

"  On  Friday  morning  early  Mr.  Ivnill  called 
to  say  a  letter  was  come,  the  cabin  was  secured, 
and  Mr.  Weed  was  to  leave  in  the  two  o'clock 
train.  I  immediately  went  down  to  arrange 
every  thing  for  him,  pack  his  clothes,  &c.  I 
found  Mrs.  Thomas,  his  kind  friend,  already 
there.  Though  extremely  faint  and  ill  he 
gave  all  necessary  directions.  Oh  !  it  was  a 
privilege  to  be  with  him  that  last  morning, 
witnessing  the  support  that  faith  and  a  meek 
reliance  upon  God  imparted  at  that  trying 
juncture. 

"  After  every  thing  was  done  for  him  that 
thoughtful,  loving  hearts  could  suggest,  he 
lay  down  on  the  sofa  for  a  little  rest ;  and  I 
sat  alone  with  him,  and  gazed  and  wondered 
to  see  that  in  the  prospect  of  a  boisterous 
voyage  in  Decernher,  alone  and  friendless,  he 
could  be  so  calm,  so  serene  ;  but,  indeed,  his 
24* 


282  EDWARD   WEED. 

head,  like  tlie  beloved  disciple's,  was  on  the 
Ijosoin  of  Jcsns,  and  the  everlasting  arms 
were  around  him,  lie  gave  nie  his  Hymn 
Book  and  made  me  mark  his  favorite  hymns. 
I  need  not  say  how  I  value  that  as  a  relic  of 
one  whom  I  loved  and  revered  as  a  true  and 
most  faithful  friend.  Now  see  the  care  that 
God  took  of  his  servant.  A  cabin,  replete 
with  such  comforts  as  a  vessel  can  afford,  was 
secured  for  liim ;  Mr.  Knill  brought  him  a 
nice  little  sura  of  money,  that  left  him  com- 
fortably off  after  every  thing  was  paid  for ; 
his  medical  man,  Dr.  Norton,  came  to  bid 
him  adieu,  and  for  his  constant  attendance 
during  some  months  would  receive  nothing 
but  his  thanks  ;  one  friend  came  with  some 
warm  slippers  ;  another  with  a  warm  flannel 
Avaistcoat  and  a  pair  of  blankets,  lest  there 
should  not  be  sufficient  on  board  the  vessel  ; 
a  third  sent  some  English  wine,  that  he  liked 
and  suited  him ;  and  some  came  to  say  adieu. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thomas,  who  were  ffointr  to 
Liverpool,  took  charge  of  him.  At  the  sta- 
tion near,  our  dear  pastor,  Mr.  Knill,  (who 
assisted  his  tottering  stei)s  to  the  carriage,) 
his  wife  and  daughter,  ourselves,  and  others 
who  came  to  take  a  last  look.  Ihit  few  words 
were  uttered,  we  saw  he  could  not  bear  it,  wo 
looked  our  adieu,  and  as  the  carriage  moved 


FAITH   AND   WOKICS.  283 

on,  and  tlie  receding  train  bore  liim  t'roni  onr 
siirht,  we  felt  we  should  see  his  face  no  more 
in  this  world,  but  then  the  eye  of  faith  soared 
upwards,  and  we  caught  a  glimpse  of  the 
glorilied  body,  and  sanctified,' ha])py  spirit, 
bowing  before  the  Throne. 

"  *  No  more  fatigue,  no  more  distress, 

Nor  sill,  iior  fears  shall  reach  that  place  ; 
No  groans  to  niiagle  with  the  songs 
Which  warble  from  immortal  tongues. 

"  '  Oh  !  long  expected  day,  begin, 

Dawn  on  these  realms  of  woe  and  sin  ; 
Fain  would  we  leave  this  weary  road, 
And  sleep  in  death  to  rest  with  God.' 

."]S"ow,  do  we  not  see  how  God  cared  for 
him?  All  his  wants  were  fully  supplied,  as 
much  as  it  was  possible  under  the  circum- 
stances. True,  he  was  among  strangers,  but 
faith  in  Jesus  made  them  brethren,  united  to 
him  by  the  strong  family  bonds  of  the  gospel, 
and  his  desires  were  fulfilled,  in  that  he  was 
preserved  through  the  voyage  and  restored  to 
die  among  his  loved  ones. 

"The  God,  who  thus  cared  for  him,  who 
put  within  him  that  faith,  and  then  so  emi- 
nently honored  it,  says,  '  Leave  thy  fatherless 
children  'wnth  me,  I  will  preserve  them  alive, 
and  let  thy  widows  trust  in  me.'     I  can  fully 


2 Si  EDWARD   WKKD. 

understand  that  the  example  of  his  faith  is  a 
'  precious  legacy'  to  yon  ;  may  you  ever  be 
enabled  so  to  trust,  and  you  '  shall  never  be 
ashamed.' 

"  If  the  above  curtailed  account  of  the  last 
two  months  he  spent  in  England  will  be  of 
any  service  to  you,  I  shall  be  very  glad. 
Will  you  kindly  acknowledge,  as  soon  as  you 
conveniently  can,  the  receipt  of  this?  With 
every  feeling  of  respect,  I  am,  my  dear  ma- 
dam, 

"  Most  truly  and  affectionately  yours, 

"  jAiSfETTA   HaKPEK." 


KEMARKS 

ON   THE 

LIFE  OF  KEY.  EDWAKD  WEED, 

BY   THE    REV.    SAMUEL    D.    COCHRAN, 
PATERSON,  N.  J.,  JUNE  23, 1851. 


We  are  informed  in  the  Sacred  Oracles,  that 
the  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed,  and  that  the 
Apocalyptist  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  say- 
ing unto  hinij "  Write,  blessed  are  the  dead 
who  die  in  tiie  Lord,  from  henceforth.  Yea, 
saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their 
labors,  and  their  works  do  follow  them-*"  These 
transcendent  benedictions  most  assuredl}'  rest  on 
the  memory  of  our  dear  friend,  whose  inanimate 
body  lies  before  us.  Having  long  known  him, 
and  enjoyed  much  intimate  association  with 
him,  as  a  most  endeared  and  cherished  friend, 
I  now  stand  before  you,  to  make  some  brief 
statements  and  remarks  respecting  his  history 
and  character.  My  acquaintance  and  inter- 
course commenced  as  far  back  as  1838.     The 


286  EDWARD  WEED. 

confidence  and  cordiality  of  the  most  cemented 
fricnddhip,  have  bound  us  together,  and  have 
given  me  a  knowledge  of  his  heart  and  habi- 
tudes, his  ends,  aims,  and  aspirations ;  his 
whole  character,  as  a  minister  and  a  man,  such 
as  few  others  on  earth  possess.  I  can,  of  course, 
glance  now  at  but  a  very  few  points  and  facts, 
out  of  the  many,  with  which  I  might,  with  due 
time  and  preparation,  entertain  and  edify  you, 
and  stir  up  your  minds  to  emulate  his  saintly 
excellence. 

Tlie  first  knowledge  I  bad  of  him  was  as  an 
Anti-Slavery  agent  and  lecturer  in  Ohio,  under 
the  appointment  of  the  Ohio  Anti-Slavery  So- 
ciety. In  this  capacity  he  labored  some  two 
or  three  years,  encountering  much  opposi- 
tion, running  many  hazards  from  the  violence 
of  the  mobs,  and  achieving  great  results  over 
a  large  portion  of  the  State.  In  this  course 
of  labor-he  was  remarkably  free  from  all  the 
untempered  mortar,  witii  whicii  so  many  of 
t.hos6  who  have  been  engaged  in  the  same 
work,  have  attempted  to  build  the  dilapidated 
walls  of  the  temple  of  human  freedom.  No 
malign  element  embittered  his  spirit,  no 
fierce  and  sweeping  denunciations  fell  from  his 
lips  ;  his  manner  was  bland,  his  language  mo- 
derate, his  arguments  well  balanced,  and  adapt- 
ed to  convince  and  persuade.     Multitudes  who 


FAITH    AJSTD   WORKS.  287 

went  to  hear  him,  full  of  liostility,  and  purpos- 
ing to  make  disturbance,  sometimes  even  to 
abuse  and  injure  him,  were  led  to  hear  him 
patiently,  and  a  large  portion  of  them  to  go 
away  embracing  his  presentations  as  the  trutii. 
Among  all  the  adv^ocates  of  this  cause  who 
have  served  it  as  lecturers,  there  probably  has 
not  been  one  so  well  adapted,  on  the  whole,  to 
advance  its  interests,  or  who  effected  more  fur 
its  happy  inauguration  in  the  heads  and  hearts 
of  his  audiences,  and  the  communities  he  visit- 
ed, during  an  equal  length  of  time.  Oli,  that 
all  its  advocates,  by  lip  and  pen,  had  been  like 
him.  His  advocacy  was  that  of  a  servant  of 
God  and  his  revelations,  of  one  who  let  not  his 
devotion  to  this  cause  push  out  of  sight  and 
destroy  his  interest  in  all  other  causes,  especi- 
ally the  greatest  and  grandest  of  all  causes,  the 
conversion  and  spiritual  renovation  of  the  race, 
through  "'  the  glorious  gospel  of  the  blessed 
God."  In  '38  he  left  this  work,  and  assumed 
the  pastorship  of  the  Free  Presbyterian  cliurch 
in  Mount  Yernon,  Ohio,  having  been  licensed 
before  he  went  out  on  his  Anti-Slavery  agency. 
His  labors  in  Mount  Yernon  and  its  vicinity, 
for  miles  around,  were  most  abundant  and 
most  propitious.  Commencing  with  a  vast 
amount  of  prejudice  against  him  and  his  charge, 
he  succeeded  in  overcomins^  it  to  a  most  re- 


288  KDWAKI)    WKRIK 

markable  dci^jree,  in  hrini»;ln(^  many  to  enihrace 
the  g(jspel,  and  in  building  u[)  the  church  of  his 
charge.  lie  has  doubtless  already  struck  hands 
in  iieaven  with  some  of  those  who  were  won  to 
Christ,  during  his  sfay  in  that  place. 

Long  will  his  memory  be  blessed  by  many 
others  there,  for  the  spiritual  good  he  conveyed 
to  thetn,  in  stimulating  t!iem  to  a  higher  piety 
than  they  already  possessed,  or  in  securing  their 
induction  into  the  family  of  God. 

In  May  of  '42,  he  deemed  it  his  duty  to 
bid  adieu  to  that  field,  and  transfer  his  labors, 
and  cares,  and  prayers  to  Paterson.  And  you 
know  with  what  faith,  fulness,  and  winning 
grace  he  went  in  and  out  among  you,  and 
broke  unto  you  the  bread  of  life.  After  re- 
maining here  nearly  two  years,  he  was  induced 
to  accept  a  call  to  the  first  Free  Presbyterian 
church  in  Brooklyn,  L.  I.  His  labors  there 
were  highly  successful,  some  fifty  members 
being  added  to  the  church  of  his  charge  during 
the  time  he  remained  there.  The  action  of 
some  leading  indivi(]uals  in  that  church,  which 
he  has  always  since  regarded  as  unjustifiable 
and  wrong,  and  by  which  he  was  exceedingly 
grieved,  led  Lim  to  resign  his  station  there, 
and  to  return  again  to  this  church,  in  accord- 
ance with  a  new  call  from  it.  This  church 
received  the  residue  of  his  earthly  rainistra- 


FAITH    AND    WORKS.  289 

tions.  Ahout  two  years  since,  as  yon  Icnow, 
he  was  obliijed  to  suspend  his  services  among 
you,  on  account  of  the  progress  of  the  disease 
which  has  consuinnuited  its  mission,  by  uri- 
tenantino;  this  wasted  form  of  its  iidiabitino^ 
spirit,  dismissing  it  to  its  mansions  above,  and 
this  mouldering  mortality  to  the  tomb. 

Such  is  a  brief  outline  of  liis  historj'  as  known 
to  me,  and  partly  known  to  most  of  those  who 
hear  me.  I  will  now  call  your  attention  to 
some  features  of  his  character  more  especially 
as  a  Christian,  and  a  minister  of  Christ,  1st. 
I  regard  his  personal  religious  history  as  a  very 
distinguished  illustration  of  that  beautiful  text 
— "  The  path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining  light, 
tliat  shineth  moz-e  and  more  unto  the  perfect 
day."  His  course  has  been  most  obviously 
marked  with  constant  increase  and  develop- 
ment of  spiritual  life,  passing  clearly  before  the 
eyes  of  all  who  knew  him,  and  had  the  vision 
to  see  it,  through  all  the  stages  that  conduct 
from  the  springing  blade  of  first  faith,,  to  the 
maturity  of  the  saintly  character,  represented 
by  the  full  corn  in  the  ear.  It  has  been  my 
privilege  to  observe  this  progress  of  develop- 
ment along  the  line  of  his  progi-ess,  and  to  wit- 
ness its  consummation  in  exhibitions  as  rich 
and  precious  as  any  I  have  ever  known.  In- 
deed, it  seems  almost  impossible,  that  any  one 


290  EDWARD   WEED. 

should  reach  a  pitch  of  faith  more  absolute, 
than  he  evinced  towards  the  close  of  his  career, 
and  indeed  during  most  of  liis  sufferings.  la 
circumstances  of  absolute  dependence  on  others, 
under  God,  for  the  means  of  subsistence  for 
himself  and  tamily,  his  confidence  that  their 
wants  would  be  fully  supplied,  never  once,  to 
my  knowledge,  seemed  to  falter.  And  most 
signally  and  remarkably  was  his  confidence 
realized.  The  extent  to  which  hearts  and  hands 
have  been  opened,  and  extended  to  minister  to 
their  necessities,  is  well  nigh  unparalleled  in 
the  annals  even  of  wonder-working  faith.  Again 
and  again  did  aid  come,  in  the  hour  of  extrem- 
ity, from  sources  and  in  abundance  incalculable 
bv  any  orditiary  mijde  of  estimation.  x\iid  the 
Bame  confidence  that  he  evinced  in  this  respect 
reigned  in  equal  ascendancy  respecting  God's 
spiritual  provisions  for  his  soul's  need.  A  few 
days  before  his  exit,  as  he  was  expressing  to 
me  and  one  or  two  others  present  his  conviction 
that  he  must  soon  die,  tears  burst  freely  from 
his  eyes.  A  fear  seemed  instantly  to  come 
over  his  mind,  that  his  emotion  might  be  inter- 
preted by  us  as  a  token  of  doubt  or  misgiving 
respecting  his  future  state,  and  he  spoke  out 
earnestly,  "I  do  not  weep  because  I  have  any 
fears  or  doubts.  Blessed  be  God,  '  I  can  read 
my  title  clear  to  mansions  in  the  skies.'     It  is 


FAITH   AND   WORICS.  291 

nothing  but  nervous  weakness."  Just  before, 
we  had  sung,  at  his  request,  that  beautiful 
hjinn  of  AVatts,  from  which  he  quoted  this 
line.  Such  was  his  constant  state  of  mind, 
leading  him  frequently  to  say  the  same  or  simi- 
lar words  of  unfaltering  reliance  on  the  grace 
of  Christ — among  others — "  I  know  in  whom  I 
have  believed. ^^ 

2nd.  He  was  alwa3's  characterized  with  a 
large  catholicity  of  spirit.  He  was  a  stranger 
to  any  narrow  or  hampering  sectarianism. 
His  Christian  sympathies  and  regard  were  as 
large  as  evangelical  Christianity.  And  it  cost 
him  no  sacrifice  of  feelings  or  prejudices  to  em- 
brace and  commingle  with  the  children  of  God 
of  every  name.  It  was  a  sufficient  passport  to 
his  heart's  purest  outgoings  towards  any  one  of 
all  the  household  of  faith,  to  know  that  he  sus- 
tained such  a  relation.  Hence  all  measures  and 
efforts  and  prosperities  of  any  of  the  different 
denominations  of  Christians,  had  his  purest 
prayers,  and  gave  him  highest  joy. 

3'rd.  He  was  emphatically  a  Bible  man.  All  his 
hopes  rested  on  the  sure  foundation  of  the  glori- 
ous revelations  of  God  in  his  Word.  How  many 
hours  have  we  spent  in  converse  on  the  themes 
and  surpassing  excellencies  of  the  living  ora- 
cles. During  his  sickness,  his  mind  grasped, 
as  it  were,  anew  his  old  and  cherished  theme 


29^  EDWiLRD   WEED. 

of  the  atonement.  And  when  he  came  to  my 
house,  a  little  less  than  a  year  ago,  he  again  and 
again  expressed  his  desire  to  live,  that  he  might 
tell  the  world  about  the  importance  of  its  ac- 
cepting the  gospel  as  ajpositive  religion,  not  of 
man  nor  by  man,  but  of  God  and  his  given 
Son. 

4th.  He  exceedingly  loved  to  preach  the  gos- 
pel. It  was  his  chief  delight,  his  meat  and  drink. 
And  during  his  waning  life,  he  clung  to  the 
last  to  the  hope  against  hope,  that  he  might  re- 
cover, so  that  he  might  again  preach  the  gospel, 
and  preach  it  better  than  ever  before.  This 
was  the  last  element  of  his  earthly  hopes,  that 
went  down  amidst  the  wreck  of  dissolving 
mortality. 

5th.  He  was  a  very  grateful  man.  Any  favor 
bestowed  upon  him,  by  any  one,  commanded  in 
him  the  profoundest  gratitude.  Some  of  his 
benefactors  can  doubtless  testify  t-o  his  expres- 
sions of  gratitude,  to  such  a  degree  as  really  to 
oppress  them.  And  this  spirit  glowed  with 
supreme  ardor  towards  God.  "  The  goodness 
of  God — the  goodness  of  God,"  how  often  was 
this  on  his  lips ! 

6th.  He  was  an  untiring  laborer.  Not  an 
hour  of  his  life  was  spent  without  some  assidu- 
ous application.  Preparing  sermons  and  preach- 
ing them.    Studying  the  living  oracles,  or  some- 


FAITH    AND    WORKS.  293 

thing  which  he  deemed  valuable  to  him  in  his 
station,  visiting  his  people,  or,  in  some  other 
way,  every  hour  was  used  up.  And  there  is  no 
doubt  that  he  overworked,  and  hastened  the 
termination  of  his  career.  How  often  are  min- 
isters overdoing  when  perhaps  some  of  their 
people  are  blaming  them  for  not  doing  more. 

Tth.  lie  was  a  very  benevolent  man.  His 
hand  was  always  open  to  giv^,  not  only  to  the 
full  extent  of  his  ability,  but  beyond.  Out  of 
his  limited  salary  he  told  me  on  one  occasion 
that  he  had  given  to  benevolent  objects  some 
$700,  during  his  pastorship,  from  184:2.  He 
seemed  fully  to  realize  the  Saviour's  maxim, 
"  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive." 


THE    SUBSTANCE 

OF    AN 

ADDKESS 

DELIVERED    AT 

THE  FUNERAL  OF  KEY.  E.  WEED, 

BY    REV.    W.    H.    HORNBLOWER, 
Pcuttor  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  ofPatnr$on,  Jan.  23, 1851. 


TnosE  motives  which  render  it  indelicate 
and  inexpedient  to  make  personal  allusions  to 
the  dead,  cannot  operate  in  the  present  in- 
stance. We  are  assembled  at  the  funeral  of  a 
man  whose  life  was  spent  in  public,  and 
whose  character  belongs  to  the  public ;  of  a 
Christian,  whose  spiritual  experience  is  the 
common  inheritance  of  all  true  disciples ; 
and  of  a  pastor,  the  recollection  of  whose 
faithful  labors  is  a  solemn  duty,  as  well  as  a 
pleasing  privilege.  Of  the  early  life  of  the 
Ilev.  Edward  Weed,  we  have  already  heard. 
I  am  requested  to  speak  of  the  character  and 


FAITH    AND   WOEKS.  295 

results  of  his  labors  here.  Tlie  one  word 
which  may  express  the  character  of  his  life  is, 
usefulness.  His  was  a  practical  and  a  useful 
mind.  His  qualifications  for  usefulness  were 
of  a  high  order.  He  was  a  man  of  great 
natural  ability.  He  might,  under  more  pro- 
pitious circumstances,  have  taken  a  more 
conspicuous  position  than  he  actually  at- 
tained. But  he  conquered  many  difficulties, 
and  rose  in  spite  of  obstacles,  commanded  re- 
spect from  all,  was  constantly  increasing  his 
influence,  and  if  his  life  had  been  spared  till 
that  period  when  all  the  powers  are  fully  ma- 
tured, he  would  have  secured  a  well-merited 
name  in  all  the  churches.  Tlie  deficiencies 
of  early  and  thorough  mental  discipline  ;  the 
imperfections  of  an  education  constantly  in- 
terrupted by  the  demands  of  embarrassed  cir- 
cumstances, were  deeply  felt  and  lamented  by 
himself  But  with  a  natural  thirst  for  know- 
ledge, quickened  by  the  desire  to  serve  and 
glorify  God,  he  did  all  that  could  be  done  to 
qualify  himself  for  the  ministry  of  Christ ; 
and  never  remitted  his  efl;orts  and  studies  till 
the  fatal  disease,  that  has  taken  away  his  life, 
rendered  it  necessary.  In  general  literature 
he  was  well  read,  and  believing  that  books 
are  expressions  of  the  character  of  the  age,  he 
made  it  a  duty  to  read  many  of  those  light 


290  EDWABD  WEED. 

works  in  which  the  sentiments  that  are  most 
popular  usually  find  expression.  In  theology 
he  was  a  close  and  persevering  student,  and 
he  read  with  unusual  discrimination,  always, 
of  course,  preserving  those  tendencies  which 
his  theological  training  in  college  and  semi- 
nary had  determined.  The  Bihle  was  espe- 
cially his  great  study ;  he  was  familiar  with 
its  contents,  and  availed  himself  to  the  extent 
of  his  ability  of  those  critical  helps  which  our 
age  has  so  largely  multi2:)lied.  But  while  he 
studied  this  volume  as  a  critic  and  a  scholar, 
his  heart  was  always  as  much  interested  as 
his  head.  It  was  the  i-evelations  of  his  Heav- 
enly Father,  in  Jesus  Christ  his  Son,  oiily  to 
be  learned  by  the  teaching  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
He  studied  it  with  the  keenest  relish,  never 
fiiiled  to  extract  from  every  part  of  it  spiritual 
nourishment,  and  he  found  every  word  profit- 
able to  his  soul. 

One  principal  element  in  his  usefulness  was 
his  sound  practical  judgment.  He  was  never 
so  mnch  of  a  student  as  to  forget  the  ordinary 
thoughts,  feelings,  and  habits  of  the  men  en- 
gaged in  secular  pursuits.  Hence  his  opin- 
ions were  always  formed  upon  the  common 
sense  views  of  things,  and  his  plans  were 
adapted  to  the  world  as  it  is.  He  consulted 
time  and  circnmstances,  and  was  seldom  inju- 


FAITH   AND    ^\  OKK8. 


297 


diciously  inappropriate.  His  sympathies  were 
strong.  He  had  the  rare  ability  of  putting 
himself  in  the  position  of  another  man,  and 
then  supposing  how  he  would  feel,  think,  or 
act  in  his  circumstances.  Tliis  enabled  him 
to  enter  into  another  man's  heart,  and  saved 
him  from  that  asperity  of  feeling  and  judg- 
ment in  reference  to  the  views  and  acts  of 
others  which  men  of  narrow  mind  entertain. 
His  active  and  well-informed  mind,  his  strong 
common  sense  and  ready  sympathies,  added 
to  great  cheerfulness  of  disposition,  made  him 
a  most  agreeable  companion.  He  was  always 
entertaining,  and  without  any  parade  of  supe- 
rior intelligence,  was  always  instructive  in 
conversation,  I  doubt  if  he  ever  mingled  in 
any  circle  without  leaving  a  pleasant  and 
happy  impression.  And  while  he  never  omit- 
ted any  opportunity  of  uttering  the  most 
solemn  truths,  and  giving  spiritual  instruc- 
tion, he  was  wholly  free  from  sanctimonious- 
ness, and  innocent  of  all  religious  affectation. 
He  never  assumed  the  serious  air  or  the  awful 
countenance,  but  was  always  the  easy  and 
natural  Christian  friend  and  gentleman.  He 
was  industrious,  persevering,  and  energetic  in 
pursuing  his  plans.  His  power  of  application 
was  great,  and  hence  the  success  of  his  eiforts 
were  extraordinary.     These  habits,  together 


298  EDWARD   WEEDj 

with  his  good  jiulrrment  and  knowledge  of  the 
world,  rendered  liim  an  excellent  man  of 
business.  lie  received  many  offers  of  a  busi- 
ness nature  when  a  young  man,  which  would 
have  tempted  a  more  worldly  mind  to  forsake 
the  puljjit  for  the  desk.  His  facility  in  all 
business  transactions  was  a  great  element  in 
his  usefulness  as  a  pastor.  All  the  qualities 
of  which  we  have  sjioken  were  strengthened 
and  crowned  by  the  gifts  of  divine  grace. 
He  was  a  child  of  God,  an  "  Israelite,  in- 
deed, in  whom  was  no  guile."  The  strongest 
characteristic  of  his  piety  was  faith.  He 
rested  with  entire  confidence  on  the  merits  of 
Christ,  in  beautiful  simplicity  confided  him- 
self wholly  to  the  care  and  direction  of  Divine 
Providence,  and  never  doubted  the  love  and 
active  agency  of  God  in  all  that  befell  him. 
Prayerfulness,  I  should  suppose,  was  his,  and 
those  who  lived  with  him  probably,  have  a 
good  testimony  in  this  respect.  Love  and 
zeal  were  striking  characteristics  of  his  spirit- 
ual character.  He  was  a  self-denying  pastor. 
Much  as  you  did  for  him,  he  renounced  more 
for  you.  He  was  laborious.  He  was  a  friend 
to  the  poor  and  afflicted.  He  was  faithful  to 
souls.  He  sought  not  yours,  but  yon.  This 
dear  friend  is  no  more. 


FAITH    AND   WORKS.  299 


tFKOM  THE  OBERLIN  EVANGELIbT.] 

The  late  Kev.  Edwakd  Weed,  of  Pater- 
son,  New  Jersey. — Such  a  man  as  Edward 
Weed  should  not  bo  suffered  to  pass  from 
earth  without  due  honor  to  his  worth,  and  an 
earnest  effort  to  commend  his  excellent  quali- 
ties to  the  general  imitation  of  young  minis- 
ters. Few  men  have  more  constantly  striven 
to  be  faithful  to  souls.  He  was  instant  in 
season  and  out  of  season,  and  spared  no  labor 
or  self-denial  which  promised  to  result  in  the 
ediUcation  of  Christians,  or  the  conversion  of 
sinners.  And  he  was  uncommonly  success- 
ful. Powerful  revivals  blessed  his  ministry, 
and  the  churches  of  which  he  was  pastor 
grew  in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ. 
It  was  the  happiness  of  the  writer  to  assist 
him  in  some  of  his  special  efforts,  and  the  re- 
membrance of  the  energy,  faithfulness,  and 
wisdom,  which  he  showed  on  these  occasions, 
will  not  easily  be  erased  from  his  mind. 
Though  unusually  prudent  in  the  use  of  his 
strength,  he  was,  like  Paul,  ever  ready  to  be 
offered  for  the  spiritual  benefit  of  his  fellow- 
men  ;  and  perhaps,  in  the  circumstances  of 
his  people,  he  saw  occasion  for  the  laborious 
exertion  which  involved  the  sacrifice  of  his 
remaining  health  and  his  valuable  life.     Be- 


300  EDWARD   WEED. 

fore  Edward  "Weed  became  a  pastor  he  acted 
ip  the  State  of  Ohio  as  an  anti-slavery  lectu- 
rer. Thou^li  no  man  displayed  more  uncom- 
promising lidelity,  he  was  neard  in  the  days 
of  mobs  and  Lynch  law  with  unusual  accept- 
ance, and  gained  a  patient,  favorable  hearing, 
where  many  others  would  have  been  repulsed  ; 
for  he  knew  how  to  blend  in  harmonious 
union  the  utmost  plainness  of  speech  and 
winningness  of  manner,  and  to  eschew  in 
the  faithful  urging  of  powerful  argument  and 
elfective  appeal,  the  "grievous  words  that  stir 
up  anger."  He  made  most  men  feel  that  he 
was  guileless  and  transparent  as  a  child,  and 
was  endued  with  a  kind,  genial,  and  truly 
friendly  and  liberal  spirit.  lie  carried  these 
qualities  with  him  through  life,  and  they  en- 
deared him  to  many  who  owed  their  salvation 
to  God's  blessing  ou  his  unflinching  fidelity 
in  rebuke  and  admonition. 

Edward  AVeed  was  a  reu^arkably  studious 
man.  Tliough  so  abundant  in  active  labors, 
preaching,  lecturing,  visiting,  &c.,  more  than 
most  pastors,  he  always  found  time  for  study. 
Even  amidst  his  special  efforts,  or  while  tra- 
velling as  an  agent  or  public  lecturer,  he 
rarely  let  a  day  pass  in  which  he  did  not 
faithfully  devote  some  time  to  careful  mental 
improvement.     The   fruit   of  his   efforts    ap 


FAITH    AiTD    WORKS.  301 

peared  in  a  constant  improvement  in  liis 
preaching  and  other  public  eiforts,  so  that  he 
was  a  growing  man  until  the  ability  to  study 
utterly  ceased.  The  practical  end  of  study 
he  always  held  in  view  :  to  know  the  truth 
better  himself,  to  live  in  it  better,  and  to  con- 
duct his  people  onward  and  upward,  while  he 
sought  himself  unostentatiously  to  lead  the 
way. 

Edward  Weed  was  eminently  an  indepen- 
dent man.  He  had  no  pride  in  his  indepen- 
dence, but,  as  a  Christian  duty,  he  endeavored 
on  every  subject  to  think  and  act  for  himself. 
He  was  ever  ready  to  acknowledge  and  avail 
himself  of  superior  knowledge  or  wisdom,  but 
he  appeared  never  to  lose  sight  of  his  personal 
respons.bility  for  his  opinions  and  line  of  ac- 
tion. Sj)lendor,  acuteness,  or  depth  of  intel- 
lect, had  his  warm,  unstinted  admiration  ;  but 
they  could  not  cramp  the  free  exercise  of  his 
own  powers,  much  less  dazzle  or  fascinate  him 
into  subjection.  And  we  have  mistaken  his 
character,  if  he  did  not  wish  the  humblest 
mind  he  was  called  to  instruct  to  be  indepen- 
dent in  the  same  sense ;  and  that  the  unity 
of  the  saints  around  him  should  be  founded 
on  no  slavish  reliance  on  human  authority, 
but  on  an  humble,  honest,  and  industrious 
endeavor,  on  the  part  of  all  and  each,  to  see 


302  EDWAKU    "WEED. 

tlic  trutli  ^\  itli  tlieir  own  eyes,  and  perceive 
it  with  tlieir  own  minds.  His  honest  inde- 
pendence, and  hearty  toleration  of  the  inde- 
pendence of  others,  were  among  the  virtues 
that  made  him  one  of  the  most  beloved  of 
ministers,  and  one  of  the  most  agreeable  of 
associates  and  fellow-laborers.  As  a  conse- 
quence of  the  honesty  and  independence  of 
his  character,  he  was  ever  ready  to  prove  all 
things  new,  of  a  promising  aspect ;  and  sturdy 
in  holding  fast  what  was  precious  in  the  old. 

lie  was  one  of  the  last  men  to  set  his  sail  to 
catch  the  popular  breeze,  and  one  of  the  last, 
too,  to  rush  into  an  unexamined  novelty. 
"When  he  had  become  satisfied  of  the  claims 
of  any  new  view  of  truth,  or  of  any  proposed 
reform,  it  was  as  far  as  possible  from  his 
practice  to  hurl  anathemas  at  such  as  were 
not  found  promptly  to  fall  into  the  new -form- 
ing ranks.  But  it  was  his  zealous  endeavor, 
while  he  avowed  his  own  convictions  with 
the  utmost  frankness,  to  choose  acceptable 
words  and  arguments,  witn  M'hich  to  com- 
mend the  cause  he  had  espoused  to  the  minds 
and  hearts  of  other  men.  Conscious  of  no 
moral  cowardice  or  time-serving  policy  him- 
self, he  was  slow — without  overwhelming 
evidence — to  ascribe  those  odious  qualities  to 
his  brethren.     He  did  not,  however,  shut  his 


FAITH    AND   WOKKS.  303 

eyes  to  the  tanlts  of  individuals  or  classes  in 
the  state  or  in  tlie  cliurch.  So  far  as  the 
faculty  of  discernment  was  given  him,  he  re- 
garded it  as  his  solemn  duty  to  see  things 
just  as  they  were,  "  to  extenuate  nothing — to 
set  down  naught  in  malice."  But  when  he 
brought  a  charge,  or  uttered  a  rebuke,  it 
was  done  in  the  spirit  of  moderation  and 
love,  and  wath  unsparing  fidelity.  His  blows 
inflicted  only  the  faithful  wounds  of  a  friend. 
To  private  friends  he  was  as  faithful  as  to  his 
public  charge,  and  the  pungency  of  his  re- 
bukes and  admonitions  mingled  ever  with 
the  fragrance  of  love. 

Edward  Weed  loved  the  gospel  of  God's 
love.  It  was  the  treasure  of  his  own  soul, 
and  he  loved  to  preach  it  to  perishing  men. 
The  amplitude  of  the  provisions  of  mercy,  the 
riches  of  grace,  the  fullness  of  the  promises, 
the  glory  and  terrors  of  the  law,  were  themes 
on  which  he  dwelt  with  holy  and  ever-grow- 
ing enthusiasm.  His  passions  circled  around 
the  cross.  It  was  to  his  soul  the  centre  of  in- 
finite attractions,  and  the  radiant  centre  of 
light.  He  gloried  in  his  functions  as  a  minis- 
ter  of  Christ,  and  it  was  his  joy  as  well  as 
highest  honor.  And  in  his  ministrations  it 
was  seen  that  the  unction  from  the  Holy  One 
was  upon  him.     It  would,  however,  be  a  great 


30^:  EDWARD   WEED. 

mistake  to  suppose  that  he  dwelt  in  a  region 
of  excitement.  His  strong  interest  in  the 
high  realities  of  revelation  had  become  to 
liim  so  much  a  second  nature,  that  a  calm 
and  cheerful  sobriety  was  one  of  his  striking 
characteristics. 

Edward  Weed  was  a  remarkably  happy 
Christian.  lie  almost  always  wore  a  cheer- 
ful, beaming  countenance ;  the  buoyancy  of 
his  heart  continued  to  his  dying  day.  After 
he  had  been  long  sick,  he  wrote  to  a  friend, 
that  his  long  afflictions  had  not  drawn  a  tear 
from  his  eyes,  but  that  the  kindness  of  his 
friends  had  made  him  weep  many  tears  of 
gratitude.  His  last  words,  as  reported  in  the 
"  New  York  Independent,"  expressed  the 
fixed  peace  and  calm  joy  of  his  departing 
soul.  He  has  left  behind  him  many  men  of 
deeper  learning,  many  of  more  brilliant  ge- 
nius, many  who  occiipied  more  conspicuous 
posts  of  influence,  but  it  Av^ould  be  hard  to 
find  one  of  whom,  were  he  gone,  it  could  be 
more  emphatically  said,  he  was  a  lovely,  a 
noble,  and  a  true  man. 

John  Morgan. 


APPENDIX. 

NOTE  A. 

One  of  the  last  things  that  Mr.  Weed  did,  before  he 
was  taken  ill  in  '49,  was  in  company  with  a  brother 
minister,  to  canvass  Passaic  County,  soliciting  subscrip- 
tions to  redeem  a  pledge  that  had  been  made  to  the 
County  Bible  Society  to  raise  $1,000  in  that  County 
for  the  benefit  of  said  Society.  He  headed  the  sub- 
scriptions of  the  membei"s  of  his  own  church  and  con- 
gregation with  81 0.  He  was  soon  after  taken  sick,  his 
labore  suspended,  and  his  household  goods,  horse  and 
carriage,  were  sold  to  pay  his  debts.  Many  of  his 
friends  thought  his  circumstances  should  release  him 
from  responsibility  to  pay  this  subscription  ;  but  ho 
considered  it  as  much  a  debt  as  his  groceiy  bills,  and 
earnestly  requested  that  whether  he  lived  or  died,  it 
might  be  duly  paid.  Thus  did  he  ever  "  Seek  first  the 
kingdom  of  Heaven  and  its  righteousness." 


